Lewandowski Drops Bombshell About Barcelona Exit as Star Forward Reveals Shocking Future Plans
Robert Lewandowski has intensified speculation about a potential Barcelona departure this summer by confessing uncertainty about his preferred destination for the upcoming season.
The striker is set to become a free agent on July 1st, yet remains distant from retirement despite approaching his 38th birthday in August—his eight goals in the 2025–26 campaign hint at declining abilities but still constitute respectable numbers.
Neither Lewandowski nor Barcelona appears to have reached a conclusion regarding the veteran forward's future, as the club has cycled through potential replacements including Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Julián Alvarez. Securing Haaland from Manchester City seems virtually impossible and has been essentially dismissed, while Kane remains fully devoted to Bayern Munich. Alvarez presents the most realistic option, though substantial costs and financial constraints could hinder Barcelona's pursuit.
"I have sufficient time to reach a decision," Lewandowski stated in a conversation with Polish media personality Bogdan Rymanowski featured on YouTube.
"Currently, I'm uncertain about my playing destination," he continued. "I'm unsure which path to pursue, but I feel no urgency. Much hinges on the club's strategy and my personal desires."
This statement implies his recognition that Barcelona might decline to extend his contract entirely, compelling him to seek alternatives elsewhere, regardless of any preference to remain.
A clear alternative for Lewandowski upon leaving Camp Nou would be the Saudi Pro League. Representative Pini Zahavi revealed last summer that a "substantial" proposal from the affluent Middle Eastern nation, which his client rejected, was valued at €100 million ($117.7 million) annually.
Per AS reports, another discussion between Zahavi and Saudi officials is approaching, with a two-year deal characterized as "highly realistic and economically appealing" to Lewandowski. He's also reportedly a primary target for Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire, though the American franchise cannot financially compete with potential Saudi Arabian offers.
Barcelona Requested Lewandowski Limit Goal Production
During his discussion with Rymanowski, Lewandowski revealed that Barcelona had discreetly suggested it might harm the club's financial position if he continued his prolific scoring during his inaugural 2022–23 campaign. The concern stemmed from his Bayern Munich transfer agreement, which included an extra €2.5 million payment triggered by reaching 25 La Liga goals.
This occurred during a period when conserving finances was crucial for Barcelona's economic stability.
Lewandowski, who finished two goals below the threshold, maintains it didn't alter his approach, though it certainly prompted reflection. Barcelona captured La Liga that year, confirming that financial considerations didn't undermine on-field performance.
"Certain matters I prefer not to discuss. I maintain deep respect for Barcelona and its personnel," Lewandowski explained.
"I understood the club's circumstances. Numerous other matters required attention for the organization's benefit. Simply put, it involved a bonus clause, and everyone recognized that Barcelona was monitoring every euro during that period, and the sum wasn't insignificant.
"Personally, it changed nothing. I accept this situation, but it remained in my thoughts and made me question whether to score or not."