RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesPini Zahavi: “Lewandowski turned down €200 million in January to stay at Barcelona”
Robert Lewandowski wanted to remain at Barcelona for another season, and club president Joan Laporta was equally keen for him to stay.
That is according to the striker’s agent, Pini Zahavi, who explained the circumstances behind Lewandowski’s departure in an interview with Sebastian Staszewski for SportoweFakty (via SPORT ).
Zahavi discussed the reasons behind the forward’s exit, the offers he received and why he ultimately chose to continue his career in Major League Soccer.
He also suggested that Lewandowski could one day return to Barcelona in a different role, following a conversation with Laporta.
Laporta wanted Lewandowski to stay
Zahavi, who maintains a close relationship with the Barcelona president, revealed that Laporta was eager for Lewandowski to remain at the club.
“You know that Joan Laporta adores him, really! And he wanted Robert to play at Camp Nou for one more year. I spoke to him about it in December, and he told me then: ‘I want Robert to stay.'”
Lewandowski left Barcelona as a free agent. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
However, Laporta chose not to interfere with decisions being made by the sporting department and coaching staff.
“They’re the ones who decide the squad. And they couldn’t guarantee Robert a place in the starting eleven, which was more important to him than even the money,” Zahavi explained.
According to Zahavi, Lewandowski’s desire to remain an important player ultimately influenced his decision to leave.
“You know him – he always wants to play, to be a key player in the team. However, Deco and Hansi had different visions for Robert’s future at Barcelona, so at a certain point we began to consider other options.”
From that moment, the striker’s future gradually moved away from Camp Nou.
Laporta: “He saved Barcelona”
Despite his departure, Zahavi insists the relationship between Lewandowski and Barcelona remains extremely positive.
The agent revealed another conversation with Laporta that left a lasting impression.
“He said to me: ‘Tell Robert that we want him. He’s part of our history – the man who saved Barça’. Do you get it? ‘He saved Barça’ – that’s exactly what he said.”
Laporta adores Lewandowski. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Those comments convinced Zahavi that Lewandowski would always have a place at the club.
“That’s why I believe that if he ever wants to work for Barça, there’ll be a place for him there,” he added.
Lewandowski rejected a €200 million Saudi offer
The Polish striker had the opportunity to leave Barcelona several months earlier but chose not to.
Zahavi disclosed that in January this year Lewandowski received a two-year offer from Saudi Arabia worth €100 million per season.
“In January 2026, Robert had a two-year offer on the table worth 100 million euros per season,” explained the agent.
When asked why the proposal was rejected, Zahavi gave a straightforward answer.
“Because he wanted to play for Barcelona.”
Chicago Fire chapter
Lewandowski was never interested in moving to England, Germany or France. Within Europe, Barcelona remained the only club he was prepared to represent .
A new chapter in the MLS. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
In the end, he signed for MLS club Chicago Fire, who had been pursuing the veteran striker for over a year.
“The Fire executives fought harder than anyone else for him. It is rare for a club to want a player so much. They were patient, determined and creative. They did everything possible to convince Lewandowski. Everything,” said Lewandowski.
Lewandowski signed a two-year deal worth approximately $40 million in total. According to Zahavi, it is the second-highest contract in the league, behind only Lionel Messi’s.
Zahavi believes Lewandowski can have a transformative impact similar to the one he made after arriving at Barcelona during a difficult period for the club.
“When ‘Lewy’ arrived at Barcelona, they were in a critical situation, with serious financial problems. But Robert took the risk and helped them return to the top. I believe he can follow a similar path with the Fire.”
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.