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Robert Lewandowski has announced he will depart Barcelona this summer when his contract expires.
Now closing in on his 38th birthday, Lewandowski has not been a guaranteed starter this season under Hansi Flick. The possibility of a new deal as a squad player was reportedly on offer for the Polish international, but he has instead chosen to seek opportunities elsewhere.
"After four years filled with challenges and hard work, the time has come to move on," he wrote on Instagram. "I leave with the feeling that the mission is complete. Four seasons, three championships.
"I will never forget the love I received from the supporters from my very first days. Catalonia holds a special place in my heart. Thank you to everyone I crossed paths with during these wonderful four years.
"A special thank you to President [Joan] Laporta for giving me the opportunity to experience the most remarkable chapter of my career.
"Barça is back where it belongs."
Here are five possible destinations for Lewandowski.
Liverpool
The loss of Hugo Ekitiké to an Achilles injury dealt a serious blow to Liverpool, who now find themselves with just one senior striker in Alexander Isak. Funds for a replacement for the Frenchman are expected to be limited.
In short, Liverpool require an affordable, short-term solution to support Isak up front. Few players fit that description better than Lewandowski.
The main hurdle for Liverpool would be persuading Lewandowski to accept a rotational role, given that this was reportedly a sticking point for him at Camp Nou, but Arne Slot—or whoever occupies the Anfield dugout next season—could likely find sufficient playing time to satisfy one of the finest strikers of his generation.
Chelsea
Chelsea's ownership has pledged to reassess their recruitment approach this summer after supporters grew frustrated with a youth-focused strategy. Swinging to the opposite extreme by signing Lewandowski would represent a dramatic shift, but one that would send a powerful message.
Supporters are craving experienced players and proven winners—someone who can deliver even under pressure. Above all, they want quality players capable of guiding the team to success. Lewandowski may no longer be the unstoppable force he was during his Bayern Munich peak, but his elite credentials remain beyond question even in the latter stages of his career.
The absence of Champions League football will naturally hinder Chelsea's recruitment efforts this summer, but if Lewandowski is seeking a mentoring role at this point in his career, a move to Stamford Bridge could be worth considering.
Juventus
Juventus have a storied tradition of acquiring high-profile players on free transfers, and reports suggest they have identified Lewandowski as their next such target.
The Bianconeri currently have four strikers on their roster but could feasibly move on from all of them this summer. Dušan Vlahović's deal is running out, Jonathan David has failed to impress, Loïs Openda is set to be placed back on the market despite his permanent transfer clause being activated, and Arkadiusz Milik is available if he can demonstrate his fitness long enough to attract a buyer.
There are several costly errors in that group and Juventus are set to absorb significant financial losses, making a free agent like Lewandowski a potentially ideal solution.
Chicago Fire
There is genuine interest in Lewandowski from Major League Soccer, with Chicago Fire believed to be his leading pursuers in the competition.
MLS has grown into an increasingly attractive destination for marquee players in recent years. Chicago has yet to secure a superstar of their own but have entered the race for Lewandowski's services.
Geography is thought to be Chicago's biggest obstacle. Reports indicate that Lewandowski's family will likely stay in Europe and he is believed to be eager to remain relatively close. Relocating to any part of the United States would undoubtedly complicate those arrangements.
Saudi Arabia
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the frontrunners for Lewandowski's signature are based in Saudi Arabia.
The financial packages on offer will be difficult to resist at this point in Lewandowski's career, even if the travel demands are far from ideal. He has openly acknowledged that a move to a "lesser" league is something he could entertain as his body begins to show its age, and Saudi representatives are working hard to position themselves at the top of the list.
Much of the speculation centers on Al Hilal, where Lewandowski could forge an exciting attacking partnership with Karim Benzema.