Lewandowski and Barcelona Lock Horns as Saudi Pro League Comes Calling
Clubs from the Saudi Pro League are reportedly showing interest in Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski, highlighting a potential divergence in perspectives between the player and his current club.
Even as he approaches his 37th birthday, Lewandowski continues to be among Europe's most lethal goal scorers. The Polish striker netted 42 goals in 52 matches across all tournaments last season, marking the first time a Barcelona player achieved such numbers since Lionel Messi's era.
Multiple Saudi Arabian top-tier teams have reportedly "reached out" to Lewandowski's representatives, according to Mundo Deportivo. While the club's current striker is said to be "extremely content" at Barcelona, the organization "wouldn't hesitate" to approve his departure for the appropriate transfer fee.
With only one year left on his current deal, Lewandowski is unlikely to receive a contract extension. This presents the final opportunity for Barcelona to secure a transfer fee for their prolific Polish forward.
Manager Hansi Flick maintains an excellent rapport with the ex-Bayern Munich striker and has displayed minimal inclination to part ways with him. The German tactician restructured the team's entire high-pressing approach last season to maximize his veteran striker's effectiveness, deploying dynamic wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to execute a coordinated press while Lewandowski tracked the opponent's holding midfielder.
Losing Lewandowski would undoubtedly create a significant void in Catalonia. Ferrán Torres delivered a solid return of 19 goals from equal starts last campaign but hasn't faced the rigorous demands of regular first-team football since his final Valencia season in 2019–20. Marcus Rashford could potentially operate centrally despite being acquired primarily as a left-sided attacker.
"I perform wherever the squad requires me and attempt to find the net and set up chances from those areas," Rashford commented following his unofficial Barcelona bow. "Perhaps I favor the left flank, but I'm capable of functioning in multiple roles. One of my assets is my versatility across different positions."
However, should Barcelona receive a substantial offer for Lewandowski, they would probably be inclined to re-enter the transfer market.