News Focus
- The 37-year-old striker will exit Camp Nou when his current deal expires this summer
- Barcelona offered only a one-year extension with lower wages and a reduced role in the squad
- Lewandowski requested a two-year contract or a one-year deal with an option for a second
- Saudi club Al Hilal have offered him €45 million per season to move to the Middle East
- He had considered joining Chicago Fire in MLS before the Saudi proposal arrived
Robert Lewandowski has confirmed he will end his time at FC Barcelona when the current campaign finishes. The Polish forward has decided to seek a new challenge after failing to reach an agreement over fresh terms with the Catalan giants.
The veteran striker had hoped to secure a longer stay at Camp Nou. Reports suggest he requested a two-year contract or alternatively a one-year agreement with an automatic extension if he met specific performance targets. However, club officials insisted on offering just a single year with reduced salary and a squad rotation role.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reacted to the news by suggesting the departure benefits both parties. The German boss stated that the exit could prove positive for the player and potentially for the club as well.
Lewandowski now faces a decision between lucrative offers from abroad. Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia have tabled a massive €45 million annual salary package. This dwarfs the €15 million per year proposal he received from Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire. The Middle Eastern move appears the most likely outcome, which would follow the path of former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez who joined Al-Nassr last year.
The Polish international arrived at Barcelona in 2022 and helped the club secure the La Liga title this season. He described his mission at the club as complete upon announcing his departure.