Two Barcelona stars now free to hold talks with potential suitors | OneFootball

The year 2026 has started, and FC Barcelona fans have every reason to be optimistic about this new year, as their team is once again getting back to its best. However, there are two members of the Blaugrana squad whose futures are getting increasingly uncertain with every passing day.

These two players are Robert Lewandowski and Andreas Christensen, about whom SPORT notes that, from today, they are free to negotiate directly with other clubs as their contracts are expiring this summer.

Under FIFA regulations, both players are now entitled to hold talks with other clubs without needing prior approval from Barcelona, even though their continuity at the club has not been fully ruled out.

Lewandowski’s future remains particularly open. At 37 years of age, and set to turn 38 in August, the Polish striker is clearly approaching the final chapter of his career, yet his performances suggest he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

Despite dealing with recurring muscular issues this season, he remains Barcelona’s second-highest scorer with eight goals in 18 official appearances across LaLiga and the Champions League. Only Ferran Torres has found the net more often, with 13 goals, and the Spaniard has also benefited from a greater role in the starting lineup.

Lewandowski has already made his stance clear in recent interviews. His willingness to continue at Barcelona will depend on whether the club sees him as a key part of their plans for next season.

That uncertainty has not gone unnoticed elsewhere, and interest from MLS and Saudi Arabia is expected to grow in the coming months should Barcelona hesitate or fail to convince him of a central role moving forward.

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On the other hand, Christensen’s situation is far more complex. Until recently, the Danish defender appeared to be one of the most likely candidates to leave, especially given his lack of minutes and Flick’s willingness to adapt other players ahead of him in defense.

However, a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in the final training session before the Villarreal match has dramatically changed the picture. The injury could rule him out for most, if not all, of the remainder of the season, severely limiting his options on the market.

Now facing the prospect of recovering from a long-term injury without a contract, Christensen’s case has prompted internal reflection at the club.

Laporta is considering offering the defender a reduced contract extension, more as a gesture of support than a purely sporting decision, allowing him to rehabilitate with security rather than being left without a club. Christensen currently earns around €6 million net per year, a figure Barcelona would no longer be willing to maintain, even if a renewal were to be proposed.

Barcelona are in no rush to formalise any offer, and for now, the idea of an extension remains under discussion rather than a concrete plan. Much will depend on Christensen’s recovery and his priorities, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.

A rushed return to fitness in order to be available for Denmark could influence both the club’s stance and the player’s decision, potentially pushing him to explore options away from Barcelona once again.

As the months progress, the futures of Lewandowski and Christensen will become clearer. For now, both remain symbolic of a Barcelona side balancing renewed ambition with difficult decisions off the pitch.