Barcelona’s 2026 Plan: 37-year-old Lewandowski set to leave; three more players expected to depart, and the vice-captain has reportedly lost the club’s trust.

On December 2, The Athletic released its weekly transfer tracker, revealing that Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are already outlining the club’s transfer strategy for 2026. According to the report, 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski is expected to leave next summer, with Araújo, Christensen, and Casadó also likely to depart.

The surprising move in the 2025 summer window was Iñigo Martínez’s exit, which significantly weakened Barça’s defensive depth. The remaining defenders—Cubarsí, Araújo, Eric García, and Christensen—have struggled to cope with the demands of multiple competitions. As a result, Barça’s defensive record has been poor this season, conceding 16 goals in 14 La Liga matches and 10 goals in 5 Champions League games. The Athletic notes that strengthening the centre-back position will be Barça’s top priority next summer.

The outlet reports that Barça’s expected departures include Lewandowski, Casadó, Araújo, and Christensen.

Lewandowski’s contract runs until 2026, and although he remains productive (8 goals in 11 league matches), his high salary and limited suitability for a high-pressing system make a renewal unlikely.

Christensen, whose contract expires next June, has been plagued by injuries for two seasons. Considering his tax-inclusive salary of €13 million despite being a rotation player, Barça is unlikely to renew him.

Vice-captain Ronald Araújo, 26, also finds himself under scrutiny. Although he renewed his deal until 2031 earlier this year, his inconsistency and rash decision-making—especially in crucial Champions League fixtures—have drawn internal criticism. Should a strong offer arrive, Barça would be open to selling.

Casadó, 22, has lost his place entirely. With Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Bernal ahead of him, and even Eric García preferred as an emergency defensive midfielder, he no longer has the coach’s trust and is expected to leave next summer.

In terms of signings, Barça admire Atlético’s striker Samu Álvarez as the ideal replacement for Lewandowski, but Atlético are unwilling to negotiate. Bayern’s Harry Kane has been loosely linked, though no action has been taken. Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United with a €30 million buy option, is also unlikely to stay due to financial limitations.