Barcelona are close to agreeing a deal to extend Robert Lewandowski's contract until the end of the 2025/26 season.
The veteran forward remains vital to Hansi Flick's side, despite turning 36 over the summer, as the focal point of the Catalans attack.
His link up with Lamine Yamal has brought a new dimension to the La Blaugrana forward line and his experience will be vital for Flick's first season in charge.
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The high standards of Lewandowski were indicated in a recent interview where he expressed frustration over dropping below 20 league goals last season.
Lewandowski netted 23 La Liga goals in his debut 2022/23 season, as Barcelona clinched the Spanish title, and his 19 in 2023/24 saw him below the 20-league goal mark for the first time since 2014/15.
Robert Lewandowski's Barcelona contract expiry, clauses, extension
All parties involved are keen to retain Lewandowski beyond the end of this season with his contract running out in June 2025 as it stands.
However, as part of the deal negotiated to sign the Poland international from Bayern Munich in 2023, a key clause will come into play in January.
As per reports from Diario Sport, an extra 12 months will be automatically triggered, if Lewandowski plays over 45 minutes in 50% of Barcelona's league games this season.
His current ratio is a superb 10 goals from nine league starts and Barcelona's first league game of 2025 will be their 19th of the season as a benchmark of when Lewandowski's new deal can be activated.
Even if he is rested for games before the end of 2024, the clause should be opened up by the end of January, as he looks to break back through the 20-goal barrier.
