Robert Lewandowski’s Departure from Barcelona: Contract Demands and Future Move

Football

Robert Lewandowski is set to conclude his tenure with Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of the season. Despite being offered an extension by the newly crowned La Liga champions, the 37-year-old striker has opted to pursue a new chapter in his career.

Recent reports indicated that Barcelona had presented Lewandowski with a contract offer. However, it was stipulated that his stay would only be possible if he accepted a significant reduction in his wages and acknowledged a role as a second or third-choice striker. Ultimately, Barcelona and Lewandowski failed to reach an agreement on a renewal.

According to Sport, a key point of contention during negotiations was the contract length. The veteran forward desired a two-year deal, while the Catalan club was only willing to offer a one-year contract. Lewandowski was even open to a one-year deal with an option for a second year, contingent on achieving specific performance targets. Nevertheless, Barcelona remained firm in their stance, offering only a 12-month extension.

Lewandowski Poised for a Move to Saudi Arabia

With his Barcelona future decided, Lewandowski will now focus on finding his next club. The aforementioned report suggests that a move to Saudi Arabia is highly probable. While he had previously received an offer of €15 million per season from MLS side Chicago Fire, this has been significantly surpassed by Al Hilal, who are reportedly willing to pay the Polish international €45 million annually to secure his signature.

Lewandowski had been open to joining Chicago Fire until the lucrative offer from Al Hilal emerged. Barring any unexpected developments, he is expected to become the second Barcelona player in as many seasons to transfer to Saudi Arabia, following in the footsteps of Iñigo Martínez, who joined Al-Nassr in 2025.

Gareth Pemberton
Gareth Pemberton

Gareth Pemberton, 37, a dedicated sports journalist from London. Known for his comprehensive coverage of grassroots football and its connection to the professional game.

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