Agent: Lewandowski rejected €200M saudi offer to stay at Barcelona, laporta hoped he'd stay another year

According to Polish media SportoweFakty, Lewandowski's agent, Pini Zahavi, discussed the reasons behind Lewandowski's departure from Barcelona and his eventual decision to join the MLS. He revealed that Lewandowski had previously rejected a Saudi contract worth up to 200 million euros because his primary goal at the time was to continue playing for Barcelona.

Zahavi stated that Lewandowski had initially hoped to play for Barcelona for another season, and Barcelona president Laporta also wished for him to stay. However, the club's sports management and coaching staff could not guarantee his starting position, ultimately leading both parties to consider other options.

Zahavi, who has a close relationship with Laporta, recalled in the interview: "You know, Laporta really liked him, truly liked him! He wanted Robert to play for one more year at Camp Nou. I spoke to him about this last December, and he told me: 'I want Robert to stay.'"

However, Laporta's view did not align with that of the sports management and coaching staff. Zahavi indicated that Laporta understood he should not interfere with the work of Deco and Flick.

Zahavi said: "They are the ones who decide the team's lineup. They couldn't guarantee Robert's position in the starting lineup, which is even more important to him than money. You know him, he always wants to play, to be a key member of the team. However, Deco and Flick had different plans for Robert's future at Barcelona, so from a certain point, we started considering other options."

It was under these circumstances that Lewandowski's future gradually moved away from Camp Nou. However, Zahavi emphasized that the bond between Lewandowski and Barcelona remained unchanged, and in his view, the experience of playing for Barcelona was still a crucial turning point in Lewandowski's career.

Zahavi also revealed a conversation he had with Laporta: "He told me: 'Tell Robert that we love him. He is a part of our history, someone who saved Barcelona.' Do you understand? 'Saved Barcelona,' those were his exact words."

Zahavi believes these words imply that Barcelona will still welcome Lewandowski in the future. He stated: "Therefore, I think that if he wants to work for Barcelona in the future, there will be a place for him."

Rejected 200 million euro offer to stay at Barcelona

Lewandowski could have left Barcelona months ago. Zahavi revealed that in January 2026, Lewandowski received a two-year contract from Saudi Arabia, with an annual salary of up to 100 million euros. However, Lewandowski rejected this 200 million euro contract because his primary goal at the time was still to stay at Barcelona.

Zahavi said: "In January 2026, Robert had a two-year contract in front of him, worth 100 million euros per season."

When asked about the reason for the rejection, Zahavi clearly stated: "Because he wanted to play for Barcelona."

Afterward, the possibility of going to Saudi Arabia gradually decreased. Zahavi stated that Saudi clubs adjusted their spending policies, and offers that were available a year ago no longer existed. He had been in contact with Al-Ittihad and communicated with senior officials in Qatar, but he ultimately told Lewandowski that this path had become more difficult.

Lewandowski himself was open to moving to the Persian Gulf region, as it was closer to Poland, had less time difference, and offered more comfortable living conditions. But from May onwards, the only truly viable options remaining were the Persian Gulf region and the United States.

Porto, Milan, and Juventus had inquired

Lewandowski was unwilling to consider offers from England, Germany, or France; in Spain, his only priority was Barcelona. Zahavi had communicated with Portuguese and Italian clubs, but these options did not truly impress Lewandowski.

Porto president André Villas-Boas had personally contacted Lewandowski and persistently tried to convince him to join. Zahavi believed Porto could offer a central and leadership role, but Lewandowski ultimately ruled out this option. Italy also made moves. Zahavi had met with senior officials from Milan and also communicated with Juventus CEO Damian Comolli.

However, the deal was beyond the financial capabilities of both clubs. Zahavi stated: "Serie A is no longer the richest league in the world, and the situation there is currently very difficult."

Chicago Fire was the most persistent

Chicago Fire had been working to acquire Lewandowski for a year. The initial contact between the two parties was in London, where head coach Belhart and several senior officials met with Zahavi. Zahavi's initial response was that Lewandowski was still under contract and wished to remain at Barcelona, but Chicago Fire did not give up.

Last December, Belhart personally traveled to Spain to present the plan to Lewandowski, and the team's persistence ultimately became the key factor.

Zahavi said: "The Fire's management worked harder than anyone else to get him. It's rare for a team to want a player so much. They were very patient, determined, and creative. They did everything they could to convince Lewandowski, really everything!"

Chicago Fire then offered Lewandowski a top contract, with both parties signing for two seasons, with total earnings close to 40 million dollars. Zahavi stated that this contract was the second highest in MLS history, second only to Messi's. Lewandowski wanted to join a project that could guarantee playing time, provide respect, and allow him to take on a leadership role, and Chicago Fire fully met these conditions.

Zahavi believes that the potential impact of Lewandowski joining could evoke memories of when he first joined Barcelona.

He stated: "When 'Lewy' joined Barcelona, the club was in crisis, facing serious financial problems. But Robert took the risk and helped them get back to the top. I think he can follow a similar path at the Fire." Belhart's goal for Lewandowski is very clear - to win the MLS Cup with him.

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