While discussions continue, an unexpected reality has emerged, if Barcelona decide not to renew and no external offer meets both his competitive standards and personal priorities, retirement is a genuine option.
Should he choose to stop, it would be on his own terms, rather than being pushed out by decline or forced into a league he does not believe aligns with where he wants his career to end. For him, the decision is not about one more contract, but about the value of exiting the game as he entered it: sharp, respected, and fully competitive.
The outcome will likely rest on performance and fitness across the second half of the campaign, but if Lewandowski continues scoring at his current rate, the club will face strong pressure to retain him in a reduced but meaningful role. If form dips, Barcelona may consider an earlier transition.
Meanwhile, the interest from Saudi will remain, and European suitors will wait to see if Barcelona step back. For now, Lewandowski continues to let the football speak. And for now, the goals keep coming.