Robert Lewandowski joins Victor Osimhen in rejecting N178. 94 billion from Saudi

Poland’s captain Robert Lewandowski has followed in the footsteps of Super Eagles of Nigeria hitman Victor Osimhen to reject advances from the Middle East.

Former Napoli striker Osimhen earlier on rejected a mouthwatering deal from Saudi Pro League  Al-Hilal, and instead penned his signature with Turkish Süper Lig outfit Galatasaray in a deal worth 75 million Euros.

Despite big names players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and Darwin Núñez making the league a more attractive proposition, some top stars have still rejected the chance to join the mass exodus from Europe.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has decided to stay at Nou Camp to fight for his place in Hansi Flick’s side.

During an interview with Fakt, Lewandoski’s agent Pini Zahavi stated that his client rejected an offer in excess of €100 million (N178,940,000,000), and instead pledged allegiance to Catalonia –where he feels most comfortable.

"A year ago, he received a concrete offer. They offered him more than €100 million per season. Per season! But he preferred to fight for La Liga and the Champions League. And he almost achieved both goals."

"This is his place on earth, where he feels most comfortable. Besides, clubs in Saudi Arabia are overflowing with players; they don't know what to do with them. There are limits on the number of foreigners allowed, which limits their options. But Robert didn't want to play there anyway," Zahavi said.

Last season, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick deployed Ferran Torres in the striker’s role in the absence of Lewandowski who was injured for some part of the campaign. 

However, with the addition of Marcus Rashford, there’ll be more competition for the starting role but 36-year-old Lewandowski is ready to fight for his place.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich goalpoacher bagged 42 goals and 3 assists in 52 games across all competitions during the 24/25 season. Barcelona won the La Liga but fell short in the UEFA Champions League, losing to Inter Milan in the semi-finals.