Shock in Barcelona… A big star is close to repeating Iñigo Martínez’s scenario by moving to the Saudi League

Barcelona has begun the process of building a new project under the guidance of German coach Hansi Flick. However, an unexpected development threatens the team’s technical stability just as the season gets underway. The summer of 2026 looks set to be a turning point for the club, with critical decisions looming—not only regarding fresh signings but also the potential quiet exit of one of the squad’s biggest stars.

Insider information from within Barcelona’s management reveals that a veteran player, long regarded as a key pillar of the team, is edging closer to making a decisive choice about his future. This decision could reshape both his career and the club’s plans, as his potential next destination involves the rapidly expanding Saudi Pro League, which has become a financial powerhouse in the global football market.

This revelation brings back memories of Iñigo Martínez’s recent departure from Barcelona. The Basque defender left for Saudi club Al-Nassr after receiving an offer too lucrative to refuse. His exit left a notable void in the squad’s defensive core, forcing Barcelona to rethink its defensive strategy. Now, attention has shifted to another influential figure in the squad—Robert Lewandowski.

Sources close to Barcelona’s hierarchy have confirmed that the Polish striker is firmly on the radar of several major Saudi clubs. These clubs are aggressively pursuing world-class stars to boost the league’s profile and international appeal. While a transfer for Lewandowski this summer appears unlikely, all indications suggest the summer of 2026 could be pivotal, potentially echoing Martínez’s path.

Since his arrival in 2022, Lewandowski has consistently delivered goals and remained one of Barcelona’s most reliable attacking threats. Nonetheless, his advancing age and the club’s financial constraints make extending his contract for many more years challenging. The striker himself is acutely aware that the most lucrative and final big contract of his career might come not from Europe but from a league investing heavily in marquee signings.

Lewandowski is reportedly open to exploring this new opportunity, especially considering the attractive offers on the table. Beyond just salary figures, these proposals include lucrative marketing deals and wider investment opportunities, making the prospect even more tempting for the veteran forward.

With Iñigo Martínez’s departure already a done deal and Lewandowski’s potential exit looming, Barcelona’s management has wasted no time in planning ahead. Coach Hansi Flick and club legend Deco have discussed the urgent need to bolster the squad defensively, identifying Alessandro Bastoni as their top target. Meanwhile, the club is also actively scouting for attacking reinforcements, with Alexander Isak and Julián Álvarez among the prime candidates.

Barcelona finds itself at a crossroads where bold, decisive moves are necessary to maintain its competitive edge. The management understands that waiting too long or failing to replace outgoing stars could severely hamper the club’s identity and performance in the upcoming seasons.

Despite the swirling transfer rumors, Lewandowski remains fully focused on the current campaign. Flick has publicly expressed his faith in the striker’s abilities and insists that he is a vital part of the club’s present and near-future plans. However, the whispers linking him to the Saudi League grow louder by the day, signaling that the club may have to prepare for a significant transition.

The situation poses a challenging dilemma for Barcelona. Can the club successfully replace its star players before they leave? Or will the financial might and allure of the Saudi League continue to attract some of football’s biggest names away from Europe’s top competitions?

As the summer of 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Camp Nou to see how the club navigates this potentially transformative period. For now, the future of one of its biggest stars hangs in the balance, casting a shadow over Barcelona’s rebuilding ambitions.