However, that decision has proven fully justified in the three years since the Polish international arrived in Catalonia, scoring 109 goals in 158 appearances in all competitions.
As part of this agreement with Bayern Munich, Barça accepted a bonus of 5 million euros. Half of this sum should have gone to the Bavarian giant if Lewandowski had scored 25 goals in La Liga during his first season at the club (2022-2023).
With two days remaining, Lewandowski had 23 goals. With the title of Spanish champion already acquired, the Catalan club would have asked him not to score any more in order to avoid this payment to Bayern, as stated by journalist Sebastian Staszewski (via Diario AS).
During a meeting in the presence of president Joan Laporta, FC Barcelona reportedly asked Lewandowski to stop scoring. The reason given would be economic: the Catalan club had to pay 2.5 million euros to Bayern Munich if the Polish striker reached 25 goals. With the title already acquired, Barça would have chosen to ask him to stop scoring.
Lewandowski’s future beyond this season is uncertain.
This situation highlights the serious financial difficulties of FC Barcelona.
Whether or not FC Barcelona confirms this information is another story, but it is common knowledge that the Catalan club is experiencing serious financial difficulties. The return to the 1-1 rule in La Liga is not yet effective, which considerably complicates transfers, although we hope that the imminent return to Camp Nou (formerly Spotify) will make things easier.
The salary of Lewandowski, the club’s highest paid player, also contributes to FC Barcelona’s difficulties. However, it is expected that this information will be disclosed at the end of the season, when his contract expires, as he is not expected to be offered a new contract at this time.
