Barcelona's Lewandowski Contemplating Move to Saudi Arabia Amidst Underperformance Rumors?
The once-feted Robert Lewandowski's career has taken a dramatic turn since joining Barcelona. Lacking in form and goals, rumors of his departure have been circling for weeks. However, could the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offer a new home to the fallen record-breaking striker?
Remember the prolific striker who bewitched the Bundesliga with his goal-scoring prowess between 2010 and 2022, breaking records that were once thought untouchable? With an astonishing five-goal blitz in just eight minutes and 59 seconds, Lewandowski was a force to be reckoned with.
But his time at Barcelona hasn't been as successful. After joining the Spanish giants in the summer of 2022, he impressed modestly, and since then, he's been struggling. With only eight goals in 17 competitive games and an astonishing 166 minutes separating his goals, the formerly electric striker has found himself under intense scrutiny.
As speculation surrounding his future at Barbacona mounts, critics have laid blame for his poor performance at the club's feet. Barcelona has been in financial turmoil for years, and Lewandowski's high salary has been a major point of contention. If someone can be found to pay Lewandowski well, perhaps even exceptionally, he might consider a move.
The media has had a field day decrying the 35-year-old's performance. Graham Hunter, ESPN's Spain correspondent, penned a damning assessment, calling Lewandowski "awkward, slow, clumsy, and ponderous." The once-revered striker is now seen as a symbol of Barcelona's decline.
Lewandowski's dreams of the Ballon d'Or were supposed to come true at Barcelona. He wanted to break free of the Bundesliga's constraints and be recognized as the best footballer in the world. However, his hopes have dwindled as the spotlight has shifted to Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham, the new heroes of the game wholly untethered by the glamour that Lewandowski never possessed.
La Roja captain Lewandowski refuses to accept his reality. "I have the feeling that I'm in the right place at the right time," he recently told Marca, adding, "I still have this feeling and this passion in me. I think I can play football for another three or four years because I feel very good physically."
The allure of Saudi Arabia as a retirement destination for aging stars is growing, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) reportedly interested in Lewandowski. Owning four of the top clubs in the Saudi Pro League — Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli — the PIF has provided homes for Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Roberto Firmino. Could one of these clubs offer Lewandowski a new lease on life?
The next few weeks will reveal whether these rumors of Lewandowski's departure for Saudi Arabia are true or merely the 35-year-old's attempt to deflect criticism.
Also Check Out
Enrichment Data:
According to recent reports, Lewandowski is keen on extending his contract with Barcelona, rejecting the idea that he is unhappy at the club or that he's considering a move to Saudi Arabia. His future remains uncertain, however, as there are ongoing negotiations regarding his contract extension. Sources report that a proposal has been made for Lewandowski to sign a year extension with a €20 million salary, but his camp is pushing for more significant guarantees to ensure his future at Barça.
Another factor influencing Lewandowski's future with Barcelona is the fact that Lionel Messi might be leaning towards staying at the club longer than initially anticipated, causing speculation about how the Argentine's return might affect Lewandowski's position in the team.
Furthermore, Lewandowski is eyeing a spot in his country's World Cup squad and plans to play at the highest level for as long as he can. Whether this translates to prolonging his stay at Barcelona or seeking greener pastures remains to be seen. (Source: )
