It’s not all about money – Lewa won’t be going to Arabia

The transfer window in Europe has closed, but it remains open in the Arab world. Still, it’s already clear that the deal the Saudis had planned won’t go through. Two of the region’s most powerful clubs, Al Hilal and Al Nassr—both with practically unlimited financial resources and massive fan bases—tried to lure Robert Lewandowski to follow the path many veterans have taken.

Unlike most players, the Pole gave them a firm NO. The experienced striker decided to stay at Barcelona, prioritizing top-level competitive football over money. Having already earned plenty throughout his career, he can afford to turn down even 100 million euros guaranteed, plus bonuses, for just one season.

That information was first reported by a Saudi outlet and later picked up by Catalan daily Mundo Deportivo, which stressed that Lewa is determined to chase the Champions League with Barcelona and defend the domestic title in Spain.

Behind this potential move is Pini Zahavi, the influential agent who has been managing the career of the former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich forward for years. The report adds that Zahavi encouraged Saudi clubs to knock on Lewandowski’s door again in the winter or next summer, since circumstances in football can change overnight. Lewandowski’s current deal with Barcelona runs until June 2026, with an option to extend until 2027.

Lewa to leave? Not if you ask Yamal

It’s understandable why Zahavi is pushing for the Arab deal—such a move would guarantee him a massive commission. For now, though, he’ll have to wait, since Lewandowski is (still) not the kind of player willing to head “into the desert,” where this summer Darwin Nunez (Al Hilal), Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman (Al Nassr) have already arrived.