Robert Lewandowski rejected a staggering €200 million offer from Saudi Arabia while at Barcelona because he wanted to remain with the Spanish giants, his agent, Pini Zahavi, has revealed.
The veteran striker, who has since completed a move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, reportedly turned down a two-year contract worth €100 million per season despite the prospect of becoming one of the world’s highest-paid footballers.
Speaking to Polish outlet SportoweFakty, Zahavi disclosed that the lucrative proposal arrived during Lewandowski’s final season at Barcelona. “Robert had a two-year offer on the table worth 100 million euros per season,” Zahavi said.
Asked why the Poland international declined the offer, the super-agent replied: “Because he wanted to play for FC Barcelona.”
Zahavi revealed that Saudi Arabia had been Lewandowski’s preferred destination if he was to leave Spain, largely because of its proximity to Poland.
“It’s true, Robert wanted to play in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “Mainly because of the convenience of living there: the small-time difference between Riyadh and Warsaw, and the shorter distance to Poland compared to the United States.
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“We also knew that a lot of money awaited us.” However, the former Bayern Munich striker refused to leave Barcelona midway through the campaign, prompting Zahavi to warn him that the offer might not remain available.
“The Saudis have changed their approach to spending… The war also complicated the situation,” Zahavi added.
“So, I was honest with Robert and finally told him: ‘I have to be honest with you. I know everyone there, I know the market, and the situation is going to be difficult.’”
Lewandowski eventually left Barcelona this summer after it became clear he could no longer be guaranteed a regular place in the starting line-up.
According to Zahavi, Barcelona president Joan Laporta wanted the striker to remain at the club, but sporting decisions rested with sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick.
“Joan Laporta wanted Robert to stay. But Laporta doesn’t meddle in the work of the coaches. Deco and Hansi Flick are the ones who decide the squad,” Zahavi said.
“And they couldn’t guarantee Robert a place in the starting eleven, which was more important for him than even money.
“You know him, he always wants to play, to be a key piece in the team… so at a certain point we started to consider other options.”
The decision paved the way for Lewandowski’s move to Chicago Fire, bringing an end to his Barcelona career after opting against a record-breaking payday in Saudi Arabia.
