He had been discreet in recent weeks, fleeing microphones and speculation. After a contrasted season with Barça, marked by an always formidable efficiency but a lesser media exhibition, Robert Lewandowski seemed to be doomed to stay in Catalonia to honor his contract until 2026. But it was behind the scenes that the unexpected was established. The Polish striker, 35, has just surprised everyone.
According to several concordant sources, Lewandowski is on the way to join … Saudi Arabia. A trajectory that little had anticipated, as the former driver of Bayern Munich had always displayed an intact sporting ambition. He recently declared wanting
“Encore titles with Barcelona”.
However, behind the words, a completely different plan seems to be emerging. The Saudi interest is concrete, the offers enticing, and the player no longer closes the door.
Saudi Arabia: Lewandowski about to say yes
The choice can be explained. On a personal level, the former winner of the “The Best” experienced a troubled period with his selection. The tensions with the Polish coach pushed him to move away from the national group. Without immediate deadline with Poland, and with a less central status at Barça, the idea of playing without pressure, in a less demanding but very lucrative championship, may have come up.
End of cycle for Lewandowski?
Sportingly, it would be a little heartbreak. Lewandowski remains an elite striker, author of 26 goals all competitions in the past season. To see him leave the European scene for Saudi comfort would have the appearance of renunciation, even if, at his age, difficult to blame him. Benzema, Kanté, Mahrez or Mané showed the way. He too is free to enjoy it.
But as often with Lewandowski, difficult to decide. The man is discreet, his entourage locked. If it were to confirm this departure, it would be the end of a cycle, and one of the last giants of European football would slowly bow out.
