Revealed: The huge sum Barça still owe Bayern for Lewandowski | OneFootball

The spectacular transfer of Robert Lewandowski from FC Bayern to FC Barcelona in the summer of 2022 apparently still has financial repercussions. According to the Spanish SPORT, the Catalans still owe the German record champions a significant portion of the transfer fee – around 20 million euros.

According to the report, this information comes from FC Barcelona's current financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Bayern had received a total of around 45 million euros for their then top scorer – however, in several installments. Three years after the transfer, a considerable remaining amount is still outstanding.

The Polish striker's move in July 2022 was accompanied by months of discussions. Lewandowski had actively pushed for his departure at the time, and the relationship between the player, club, and fans was heavily strained. In the end, Bayern pushed through the transfer – a conclusion that still has sporting and financial effects today.

Seven clubs waiting for outstanding payments

Photo: IMAGO

According to the report, not only FC Bayern is waiting for outstanding funds. According to UEFA and FIFA regulations, a player's previous clubs must also be proportionally involved in a transfer – so-called training compensations.

Thus, FC Barcelona also owes Borussia Dortmund a six-figure sum. Additionally, several Polish clubs are on the list: MKS Warsaw, Delta Warsaw, Znicz Pruszkow, Legia Warsaw, and Lech Poznan. In total, there are seven clubs still expecting outstanding amounts from the Lewandowski deal.

Particularly curious: Even Lewandowski's first club, MKS Warsaw, is reportedly still waiting for around 300,000 euros – a small amount compared to the total sum, but a symbol of how strained the financial situation remains for the Catalans.

Curious: Contract likely to expire before everything is paid

Robert Lewandowski's contract with FC Barcelona runs only until June 30, 2026. According to Spanish media reports, there is much to suggest that the 37-year-old could leave the club next summer – possibly even before the full transfer fee is paid to FC Bayern.

Besides Bayern, Barça still has transfer debts with many other clubs. According to the financial report, the total is 159.1 million euros. Among the involved clubs, Leeds United has the highest claims with 41.9 million euros for the transfer of Raphinha. Additionally, there is FC Sevilla with 24.5 million euros for Jules Kounde.

For Bayern, this initially has no negative consequences, as the outstanding payments are contractually secured. Nevertheless, the case once again shows how tight the financial situation of the Catalan traditional club remains – even with a transfer that took place three years ago.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.