Robert Lewandowski ‘risks being sold’ by Barcelona as they plan ‘summer clearance’ – and only THREE stars are untouchable in Xavi’s squad

Robert Lewandowski is reportedly playing for his future as Barcelona prepare for a summer fire sale, with just three stars safe from the blow.

Barcelona are expected to refresh their squad this summer after a disappointing season in which they came close to finishing far behind Real Madrid.

Their salary cap has been set at £174.4m by La Liga – a colossal cut from the £553.9m they were allowed to spend in February 2023.

They will have to change players and although Lewandowski is one of the best strikers in the world, his form this season has not justified his huge salary.

He will earn £22.5 million during this season, and this amount is expected to rise to £27.7 million for the next campaign.

According to The Athletic, only Lamine Yamal (16 years old), Pau Cubarsi (17 years old) and Gavi (19 years old) have the status of “untouchable”.

Robert Lewandowski reportedly at risk of being sold by Barcelona due to financial constraints

The 35-year-old Polish striker has scored 23 times this season but his huge salary poses a problem.

They represent the next generation of La Masia graduates and it is much easier to keep these players on reduced salaries compared to long-established stars.

Yamal, still a schoolboy, has broken records: he is Barcelona’s youngest player in La Liga and the Champions League, Barça and the youngest scorer in the league, the youngest Spanish premier league champion division and the youngest scorer in Spain.

Meanwhile, centre-back Cubarsi has played wisely beyond his years and Gaviu has been injured for most of the season and is expected to miss Euro 2024.

The true cost of the Barcelona squad is around £420 million and La Liga has said it needs to make cuts before it can sign more players.

Naturally, someone who earns as much as Lewandowski is in danger.

Although he has scored 23 goals this season, there is recognition that he has lost some of his clinical edge and ability to contribute more widely. He is 35 years old.

Xavi said: “I won’t talk about anyone’s future because I don’t think it is useful for us.” I’m happy with Robert.

“The work he does for the team is extraordinary, he is an exceptional footballer and an example to the dressing room of how he behaves.

Lamine Yamal, their 16-year-old sensation on the wing, is one of three players at safety

Precocious central defender Pau Cubarsi is also said to be secure in his squad status.

Gavi has been injured for most of the season and will not be sold this summer

Xavi happy with Lewandowski, says: ‘The work he does for the team is extraordinary’

“That’s why he scored a hat-trick. I’m delighted for him.

Last summer, there was talk of him moving to Saudi Arabia, but he wasn’t interested and said he had “other priorities” than money.

He helped deliver them a first La Liga title in four seasons last campaign, scoring 33 goals in all competitions.