Lewandowski Transfer Update: Saudi Pro League Talks Planned While Barcelona Role Comes Under Threat

‎Robert Lewandowski is reportedly taking another step toward a potential exit from Barcelona, with his representatives preparing to enter fresh discussions with the Saudi Pro League over a high-profile move to the Middle East. The Poland captain is also attracting interest from Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire as he approaches the final months of his contract at Camp Nou.

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Robert Lewandowski is edging closer to a Barcelona departure as his camp prepares Saudi Pro League talks, with MLS side Chicago Fire also monitoring the Polish icon’s contract situation.

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‎According to a report from Spanish outlet AS, Lewandowski’s Israeli agent, Pini Zahavi, is scheduled to meet Saudi Pro League officials ahead of the January transfer window opening on New Year’s Day. The talks are expected to explore the possibility of a lucrative deal once the striker’s Barcelona contract expires.

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‎The report states that Lewandowski has already been presented with an offer from the Saudi Pro League, although the identities of the interested clubs have not been disclosed. The veteran forward has registered eight goals in 18 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona this season.

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‎At 37, Lewandowski is said to be intrigued by the prospect of playing in Saudi Arabia, where the league already boasts some of football’s biggest stars. Cristiano Ronaldo currently features for Al-Nassr, while Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté are key figures at Al-Ittihad.

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‎Alongside interest from the Middle East, Lewandowski is also on the radar of MLS outfit Chicago Fire. Earlier this month, the BBC reported that his representatives had held talks with the American club regarding a possible switch to the United States.

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‎Chicago Fire, who previously attempted to lure Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne in 2025, are believed to have identified Lewandowski as a priority signing for a minimum of six months. The club’s interest is further strengthened by Chicago being home to the largest Polish community in the United States.

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‎Widely regarded as Poland’s greatest-ever footballer, Lewandowski has scored 88 goals in 163 international appearances. Poland remain in the hunt for qualification for next summer’s World Cup in North America and are scheduled to face Albania in a play-off semi-final on Thursday, 26 March 2026, under head coach Jan Urban.

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‎The BBC adds that Lewandowski is open to joining Chicago Fire, with salary not expected to be a stumbling block. However, AS reports that the Saudi Pro League has put forward a more substantial financial proposal to the striker’s representatives.

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‎Lewandowski’s long-term future at Barcelona has become increasingly uncertain amid the impressive form of Ferran Torres. After netting an extraordinary 344 goals in 375 matches during an eight-year spell at Bayern Munich, Lewandowski joined Barcelona in July 2022.

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‎Since arriving in Catalonia, the former Borussia Dortmund and Lech Poznań striker has collected five trophies, including La Liga titles in the 2022–23 and 2024–25 seasons. He has amassed 109 goals in 165 appearances for the Blaugrana.

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‎However, Ferran Torres has emerged as a key attacking figure under head coach Hansi Flick this season. The former Manchester City forward has scored 13 goals in 22 games across all competitions, with 11 of those strikes coming in La Liga. Only Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, with 18 league goals, has scored more in Spain’s top division.

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‎Speaking about his future in November, Lewandowski admitted uncertainty over his next steps. He explained that he was in no rush to decide and wanted to feel what was best for him before committing to anything.

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‎Barcelona are set to resume competitive action after the winter break with a trip to Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Saturday, 3 January. Flick’s side will then face Athletic Club, managed by former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals four days later.

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‎Lewandowski returned to action in Barcelona’s 2–0 away win over Villarreal last Sunday, having missed the previous two matches against Osasuna in La Liga and CD Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey. That victory marked Barcelona’s final fixture of 2025.

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‎After the match, Flick reflected on his team’s progress throughout the year, highlighting the importance of training intensity, defensive improvement, and the return of quality within the squad as key factors in their success.