Inside Barcelona: Lewandowski's emotional farewell, World Cup setbacks for Yamal and Fermin

AlavésAthletic ClubAtlético MadridBarcelonaCelta de VigoElcheEspanyolGetafeGironaLevanteMallorcaOsasunaRayo VallecanoReal BetisReal MadridReal OviedoReal SociedadSevillaValenciaVillarrealPodcastsCopa del ReyInside Barcelona: Lewandowski’s emotional farewell, World Cup setbacks for Yamal and FerminRobert Lewandowski is hoisted into the air after his final Barcelona home game Eric Alonso via Getty Images Share articleWelcome to the latest edition of Inside Barcelona, our weekly series to follow throughout La Liga’s 2025-26 season. We will bring you key information and analysis on the biggest talking points in and around the Camp Nou, cutting through the noisy world of all things Barca with reporting you can trust. The information contained in this article reflects multiple conversations with various sources at the Spanish champions, all of whom wanted to speak anonymously to protect relationships. After Robert Lewandowski’s farewell, this week began with an announcement over Hansi Flick’s future. Barcelona have announced the German manager’s new deal until 2028, with the option for a further season. It is the latest proof of the club’s stability since Flick’s arrival in 2024. He had signed an extension last year until 2027. “A lot of managers in the world would be happy to sign longer contracts, get a four-year deal, but Barca is different and it’s good to put a limit on this, too,” Flick, 61, said last week. Flick will remain an integral part of Barca’s squad planning, with the summer transfer window looming. The decision to let Lewandowski go will, in the words of the manager, allow the club to “restructure the team a little bit”. Barca will visit Valencia on Saturday for the final game of the season but, as already confirmed La Liga champions, any new developments will be to do with their summer signings. Flick’s own holidays start in a week, but he has been in constant contact with sporting director Deco. “We have our ideas clear, now we have to wait (for) the market,” he said after their 3-1 win against Real Betis at the weekend. “It won’t be easy, but we will try to do the best we can. I am hopeful next season we will have a very good team.” There was some bad news for Barca players going to the World Cup, though.  One of them is Lamine Yamal, who has been out with a hamstring injury since last month. Last week, members of Spain’s medical team visited Barca’s training facilities to check on the 18-year-old’s progress recovering from that issue. On Monday, The Athletic reported that Yamal is set to miss Spain’s opening game against Cape Verde and remains a big doubt for their second match against Saudi Arabia.  Spain FA sources confirmed they have been in touch with Barca and Yamal over the past few months, making regular visits to oversee the player’s recovery.  Then, on Sunday, Fermin Lopez was replaced at half-time of the win against Betis. Tests conducted on Monday morning confirmed the 23-year-old attacking midfielder suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot.  The expectation within the player’s camp and the club is that he is highly likely to miss the World Cup. Spain FA sources did not want to comment on the situation.  Fermin was set to be a guaranteed member of the squad after enjoying the best season of his career, scoring 13 goals and delivering 17 assists in all competitions.  He had not become a key part of Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s plans yet, however. He was expected to be an impact substitute during the competition, with the possibility of fighting for a starting spot given the fitness struggles of attack-minded players such as Nico Williams and Mikel Merino. Now, those hopes are almost certainly over. After what he experienced on Sunday night at the Camp Nou, Lewandowski can’t have any regrets about his decision to leave Bayern Munich and join a struggling Barcelona team in 2022. He has scored 119 goals in 191 appearances since then, lifting three La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey and three Supercopas de Espana. The game against Betis was dedicated to the Polish star, who walked out in tears with the captain’s armband. The whole crowd gave him a standing ovation for his final home appearance for the club. Flick took off the 37-year-old in the 85th minute to make sure he was given his moment of appreciation. In the Gol Sud stand, a black banner with white letters read, in Catalan: “Robert, everything started with you. Thank you very much”. Barca will never forget Lewandowski as the first superstar to join after Lionel Messi’s exit — and the trauma that caused the fanbase. Lewandowski gave Barca a hand when they needed it most following a glittering career among the elite, and he succeeded. When the full-time whistle blew, Lewandowski’s Barca team-mates grabbed him and threw him up to the sky. Club president Joan Laporta gifted him a silver replica of the club badge while his wife Anna and two daughters stood next to him. “For me, it’s a very emotional and hard day,” Lewandowski said, speaking in the centre of the Camp Nou. “When I arrived in Barcelona, I knew this was a big club, but living this from the inside has been incredible. “This stadium and this city have felt like home. It has been an honour. I’m saying goodbye in this stadium today, but this will forever stay in my heart. Once a culer (Barca fan), always a culer.” We will know more about his future in the coming days, but sources from the player’s camp say a move to the Saudi Pro League could be an appealing option. The Athletic has previously reported interest from Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire. For Barca, it’s time to find a replacement. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, Joao Pedro of Chelsea and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen are among the profiles they admire — but whether they can afford or convince them is another matter. Lewandowski’s exit takes one of the squad’s biggest wages off the books, although this will not have an impact on their La Liga-imposed salary limit. His contract had not been factored into next season’s planning, given it expires on June 30 — so it won’t represent any kind of saving on their 2026-27 budget. Barca are still operating above their limit, making it difficult for them to operate normally in the transfer market. That Joao Cancelo’s loan from Al Hilal has been a success. The 31-year-old full-back put in another excellent performance and scored a curling effort from the edge of the box against Betis. He has registered two goals and four assists in 18 games, taking over from Alejandro Balde as Flick’s starting left-back. The Portugal international’s performances have convinced all of Barca’s decision-makers that they want him back next season, although it won’t be easy. Cancelo still has a year left on his deal with Al Hilal, and Barca do not plan, as of now, to pay a transfer fee for a player who turns 32 next year. It was a positive day for Raphinha, too, on his first start since returning from a hamstring injury suffered in March. The Brazil forward scored twice, the first from a direct free kick, to show he is up for the World Cup in North America this summer. “At his best, Raphinha is unbelievable,” Flick said. “I want him to stay here and play for us for many years. I am very happy that he is back.” The win against Betis also set a new Barca record. Flick’s team have won all 19 home games they have played in La Liga this season, which was unprecedented. “(It’s) a fantastic record,” Flick said. “It’s all down to the team but the connection with the fans makes a difference, too. It’s an amazing feeling and gives the players five per cent or 10 per cent more confidence to perform.” Remarkably, Barca have also never been involved in a goalless draw since Flick’s arrival — a sign of the mentality the German has instilled at the Camp Nou. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms