Marcus Rashford wants a permanent move to Barcelona after a spell on loan from Manchester United, and the departure of his team-mate could have boosted his hopes further.
Robert Lewandowski is set to leave Barcelona this summer, but Marcus Rashford could follow (Image: Jose Manuel Álvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Robert Lewandowski has announced his departure from Barcelona, potentially increasing the chances of Marcus Rashford’s dream move. Lewandowski, 37, will leave Barça after four trophy-laden years when his contract expires in June.
The Polish captain, who is yet to decide on his next club but intends to continue playing, starred alongside Rashford in Barcelona’s successful defense of their La Liga title this season. On loan from Manchester United, Barca have the option to sign Rashford on a permanent deal for £26 million when the summer transfer window opens.
The English player primarily played as a left winger at Camp Nou, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists during his time there. Barcelona are looking to sign a new striker this summer, but Rashford has proven he can help fill the scoring void left by Lewandowski and can play centrally if needed.
Hansi Flick’s side have expressed an interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, while Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has also been linked. Lewandowski confirmed the news of his departure in an Instagram post on Saturday and will bid farewell in the final home game of the season against Real Betis on Sunday.
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Talking about his time at Barça in a montage, the 37-year-old said: “After four years full of challenges and hard work, it’s time to take the next step. I leave feeling that the mission is complete: four seasons, three championships.”
“I will never forget the love I received from my fans from the beginning. Catalonia is my place on earth. I would like to thank everyone I have met during these four beautiful years.”
“A special thank you to president (Joan) Laporta for giving me the chance to live the greatest chapter of my career. Barça is back where it belongs.”
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Lewandowski, who spearheaded the post-Lionel Messi era alongside the likes of Lamine Yamal and Rafinha, joined Barca from Bayern Munich in July 2022 in a deal worth up to €50m (about £43m). The veteran scored 119 goals in 191 appearances for the Spanish giants, who won seven domestic trophies, including three La Liga titles, under Flick and Xavi Hernández.
Lewandowski currently has a lucrative offer from MLS club Chicago Fire. Several Saudi teams, including Al Hilal, are also interested, as are Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan.
His departure leaves Ferran Torres as Barcelona’s only recognized striker heading into the 2026-27 season. Barça are considering extending his loan, but Rashford is keen to make the move permanent, saying after his goal in a 2-0 win over Real Madrid: “I’m not a magician, but if I was a magician I’d stay.”
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