Sebastian Staszewski, author of the Polish striker's biography, spoke candidly about his subject's state of mind.
"For the last 15 years, Lewy has been the centerpiece of every club he's played for. He held the status of a star, a king," Staszewski said.
"Today, at Barcelona, he's finding it increasingly difficult to maintain that status. Robert is aware that Barça no longer treats him as their biggest star. And that bothers him, because Lewandowski doesn't adapt well to being a substitute."
The assessment reflects a broader shift at the club. Hansi Flick has increasingly relied on Ferran Torres as the central striker, with Lewandowski's contract due to expire this summer and no significant progress on a renewal. Reports in Spain indicate Barcelona have already drawn up a summer plan that includes signing a new number nine, with Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy among the names under consideration.
Lewandowski himself has set a personal deadline of the end of April to decide his next move, with his family understood to be central to the decision. His wife Anna said publicly in January that the current season was likely his last in Catalonia.
The striker also faces the added blow of Poland failing to qualify for the World Cup, having lost a play-off final to Sweden. "Football can be brutal," he said afterwards, adding that he needed to reflect before making any declarations about his future.
Staszewski suggested MLS and Saudi Arabia are the most realistic destinations. "These places can give him what he needs — above all, love, admiration, and regular playing time," he said.
Since joining from Bayern Munich for around €50 million in 2022, Lewandowski has scored over 110 goals for Barcelona. The end, when it comes, will close one of the most productive chapters in the club's recent history.