Barcelona leave out star from La Liga opener after €100m contract offer revealed

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski was absent from the club’s La Liga opener against Mallorca due to a calf injury, but the Pole has been subject to transfer interest in recent days.

Hansi Flick’s side claimed a 3-0 win over their nine-man hosts on Saturday, with goals from Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal guiding them to a dominant victory in favourable circumstances.

Prior to the clash, Barcelona had to rush to have Marcus Rashford registered for the clash due to a lack of attacking options caused by Lewandowski’s absence. The Pole is sidelined for around three weeks due to a calf problem and is due to return at the end of August.

Lewandowski will turn 37 on 21 August, but that has not stopped the Saudi Pro League launching an audacious bid for him, according to Polish source Fakt.

Why Lewandowski rejected Saudi

Agent Pini Zahavi claims that the former Bayern Munich hitman has rejected an enormous offer from the Middle East.

“Robert is staying in Spain, but a year ago, he could have earned millions in Saudi Arabia,” Zahavi claims.

“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

“Barcelona 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.”

Despite the renewed competition from Rashford, who is ready to challenge for the No.9 spot at Camp Nou, Lewandowski is expected to lead the line for Barca this season as they attempt to defend their La Liga crown and go all the way in the Champions League.

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