Barcelona forward closes door on Saudi Arabia switch amid Al-Hilal interest | OneFootball

In the past few hours, fresh details have emerged surrounding Barcelona’s negotiations for Joao Cancelo, and they involve another heavyweight name from the Blaugrana dressing room. 

During talks with Barcelona, Saudi giants Al-Hilal took advantage of the discussions to ask about the availability of Robert Lewandowski.

Lewandowski’s situation has been closely monitored across Europe and beyond. The Polish forward’s contract with Barcelona expires at the end of the season, and all indications suggest that he could walk away as a free agent in the summer. 

That uncertainty has naturally attracted interest, and Al-Hilal were quick to explore whether a short-term move could be arranged.

According to earlier reports, the Saudi club floated the idea of including Lewandowski, potentially sending him to the Saudi Pro League until the end of the campaign. 

The proposal was ambitious and clearly aimed at adding another global superstar to their project.

Lewandowski does not want to leave

However, a follow-up report from Mundo Deportivo has now clarified Lewandowski’s stance, and it leaves little room for doubt. 

The Barcelona striker has closed the door on a move to the Middle East at this stage of his career. 

Lewandowski is committed to Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Despite the financial appeal and sporting pull of the Saudi league, the Pole is determined to remain in Catalonia for the remainder of the season.

The request for Lewandowski reportedly came directly from Simone Inzaghi, Al-Hilal’s current head coach, who sees the striker as an ideal fit for his squad. 

Even so, Lewandowski’s priority is to spend his final months at Barcelona and push to end the season on a positive note, both personally and collectively.

Offers from the MLS

For now, Lewandowski is keen to enjoy what could be his last stretch in Blaugrana colours and help the team compete at the highest level. 

That said, a few weeks ago, it was reported that Lewandowski, accompanied by his agent Pini Zahavi, held talks in Barcelona with Gregg Berhalter, the sporting director of Chicago Fire.

During that meeting, the MLS side made it clear that Lewandowski is viewed as a major target for next summer. 

While nothing has been decided, the Polish striker has not ruled out that option.