Lewandowski Endorses Rodri as Essential Figure for Barcelona’s Forward Plans

FC Barcelona legend Robert Lewandowski has offered his thoughts on the club’s signing of Spain captain Rodri during an interview with Radio MARCA.

POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Following his departure from the Spotify Camp Nou after a celebrated four-year stint, Robert Lewandowski joined the Chicago Fire this summer upon the expiration of his Barcelona contract.

Much like the 2022 summer window that brought both ‘Lewy’ and Raphinha to Catalonia, Rodri emerged as the standout acquisition orchestrated by sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick.

Despite capturing three La Liga titles during his time at the club, Lewandowski believes the Catalan side fell short in the Champions League and requires Rodri’s seasoned perspective to elevate their ambitions.

“He possesses a deep understanding of what the team needs — how to drive play forward while also knowing when to defend more diligently. That kind of experience is precisely what this squad requires,” Lewandowski explained.

“He has been competing at the absolute pinnacle of the sport, not just during the World Cup but throughout his entire distinguished career.”

Lewandowski Reflects on His Time at FC Barcelona

The veteran, now plying his trade in the MLS, described his nearly five years at the Spotify Camp Nou as “four incredibly beautiful years.”

“However, there comes a moment when you must take a new step, and I am genuinely happy about this transition,” he claimed.

“It makes perfect sense, not only because I am leaving Europe, but also because I am moving to the United States.”

“I am not particularly emotional — I tend to be quite reserved — but I will always be there to support and assist FC Barcelona and my former teammates,” Lewandowski added. “I hope that eventually I can also celebrate some titles alongside them.”

Barcelona Did Not Secure a Direct Replacement for Robert Lewandowski

During the recently closed transfer window, the Blaugrana lost not only Lewandowski but also World Cup-winning goal scorer Ferran Torres.

Although the club pursued Julián Álvarez, those efforts ultimately came to nothing, and Barcelona effectively failed to bring in replacements for either striker.

Instead, Flick successfully transformed one of his wingers, Raphinha, into a central number nine with impressive results.

Across the opening three matches of the 2026/2027 season, the Brazilian has scored five goals, moving ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé at the top of the Pichichi scoring charts.

Source link