Barcelona are reportedly looking to get out of Robert Lewandowski‘s £5.2m pay-rise going into his third year at the club next season.

The Polish striker signed for Barcelona from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 for £42.5m – on a three-year deal with the option of a fourth.

Given the club’s financial crisis in recent years, his contract signed in a way which would see his salary increase year-on-year.

After earning £17.3m in his first season, he is on £22.5m this term, and that’s set to increase by £5.2m going into his third year.

But amid Lewandowski’s struggles this season, and Barcelona’s continuing financial issues, Spanish publication SPORT report that they are looking to put a stop to his pay-rise and see if they can adjust his expected salary going into the next campaign.

Barcelona are reportedly looking to find a way out of Robert Lewandowski’s pay rise

Lewandowski – who has struggled for form – has a deal which sees his salary increase during his first three seasons

It comes after Barcelona manager Xavi reportedly raged at Lewandowski during half-time in their 3-2 victory over Almeria on Wednesday.

After the game, in which the sides were level 1-1 at the break, Xavi said: ‘At half-time I had the toughest talk as a coach. Has it worked? You’ve already seen it.’

Mundo Deportivo reported that Xavi was unhappy with his team’s attitude and lack of intensity in the first-half.

The report also claims the coach hit out at Lewandowski during the half-time team talk.

Lewandowski’s form has come under question this season despite netting nine times across 21 games in all competitions.

He has only scored once in his last five LaLiga matches and Barcelona are already seven points off leaders Girona.

Xavi ‘raged’ at Lewandowski at half-time during their recent 3-2 victory against Almeria

If the Polish striker does take up his option for his fourth year at Barcelona, his salary would go back down to £22.5m – what he is earning this year.

Barcelona had their salary cap slashed by more than £320m in September, leading to concerns about their ability to sign top players moving forward.

President Joan Laporta has insisted Barcelona can keep hold of loan stars Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, though, and wants to secure their futures at the club.