Lewa lost 200 million to stay in Barca

The modern day footballers (especially the elite ones) are multi-milliners and that is a fact, which is not so pretty noways, considering the importance of their work compared to other occupations. And time and time again, the players are proving that even that huge sum is somehow not enough. We see that not only older players, but even much younger ones are going into the less important leagues, or worse teams just for huge amounts of money. There are some of them who are still looking for other things like the quality of the league and statue of the club, or a possibility to win major trophies, and Robert Lewandowski is one of them.

To be fair, it’s not like the popular Polish striker didn’t earn any money during his illustrious career, on the contrary. But when you are 37 and you reject a 200 million euros offer because you want to stay at the club you love, it surely sends a message. And that’s exactly what happened to him. His powerful agent Pini Zahavi revealed a massive offer his client received in December 2025.

"Robert had a two-year offer on the table worth 100 million euros per season and he didn't accept it because he wanted to play for Barcelona" Zahavi told Polish media outlet SportoweFakty. It was the ‘take it or leave it’ situation, which meant that Lewandowski had to leave in January, in the middle of the season. He declined as he wanted to play for Barca, even though he knew the offer won’t be on the table come June.

Lewa signs for Chicago, will debut against Muller

Zahavi claims that eventually, the decision about his client was made by coach Hansi Flick and director Deco.

“Joan Laporta adores him, truly! And he wanted Robert to play at the Camp Nou for another year. I spoke to him about it in December, and he told me then, 'I want Robert to stay.' But Laporta, and I've been friends with him for over 30 years, doesn't interfere in the coaches' work. The sporting director and the coach are 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 money. You know him, he always wants to play, to be a key player. However, Deco and Hansi had different visions for Robert 's future at Barcelona , ​​so at a certain point we started considering other options" said the agent.

In the end, the Pole decided to end his career in the USA. He signed a two-year deal with Chicago Fire, and will earn 20 million euros per season. Not bad at all, considering he doesn’t have a 200 million deal on the table.