Barcelona’s 2026 Masterplan Revealed: Lewandowski Set to Leave at 37, Three More Players to Follow — Vice-Captain Reportedly Loses Club’s Trust

On December 2, The Athletic published its weekly transfer report, revealing that Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco have begun shaping the club’s ambitious “2026 restructuring plan.” According to the report, 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski is expected to depart next summer. Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, and Fermín Casado are also likely to leave the club.

Last summer’s departure of Iñigo Martínez was already a major blow to Barcelona’s defense. With only Cubarsí, Araújo, Eric García and Christensen available, the backline has struggled to cope with intense, multi-competition demands. This season, Barça’s defensive record is alarming: 16 goals conceded in 14 La Liga matches and 10 conceded in 5 Champions League fixtures. Strengthening the center-back position has thus become a top priority in next summer’s transfer window.

The Athletic reports that Barça have internally determined a preliminary list of departures: Lewandowski, Casado, Araújo, and Christensen.

Although Lewandowski’s scoring efficiency remains elite (8 goals in 11 league matches), his age, high salary, and difficulty fitting into a high-pressing system make a renewal unlikely. His current contract expires in 2026, and the club is prepared to part ways next summer.

Christensen, whose contract also ends on June 30 next year, has been frequently sidelined with injuries over the past two seasons. With a salary reaching 13 million euros annually, his cost-performance ratio is deemed inadequate, and Barça will not offer a renewal.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is 26-year-old vice-captain Araújo. Despite signing a long-term contract through 2031 earlier this year, his reckless playing style and several costly mistakes in major Champions League matches have shaken the club’s trust. If a suitable offer arrives, Barcelona will consider selling him.

Midfielder Fermín Casado, 22, has also lost his place in the squad. With De Jong, Pedri, and Bernal ahead in the pecking order — and coach Flick even preferring Eric García as an emergency pivot — Casado is no longer part of the club’s plans for next season.

As for signings, Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez is seen as the ideal replacement for Lewandowski, but Atlético are unwilling to sell. Harry Kane has been linked with Barça, though no action has been taken. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, comes with a 30 million euro buyout clause that Barça cannot afford. He is expected to leave next summer.

Barça’s 2026 rebuild has officially begun.