Lewandowski triggers bonus payment as Barcelona's budget has €14m hole blown in it

Stuart Telford

• 24 Feb 2023 19:48 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona have had yet another hole blown in their budget after their Europa League exit at Manchester United's hands, and Robert Lewandowski isn't exactly helping matters.

Barca vs. Man Utd was the Champions League final as recently as 2011, but one European giant had to fall in the Europa League's knock-out round play-offs on Thursday, and this time it was the Blaugrana on the receiving end.

Fred and Antony got United's goals in a 2-1 win, with Lewandowski having opened the scoring for Barca. As well as the Camp Nou club's dented pride, Lewandowski's goal has added to an ongoing problem for them.

READ: Lewandowski tried to join Real Madrid before Barcelona

It was the Pole's 25th goal in all competitions for Barca this season - which have been scored at a rate of one every 101 minutes he has played - but it was a particularly expensive one.

Lewandowski variables

"In addition to the €14.4 million that Barcelona will no longer be able to earn by advancing in the Europa League, the club will now have to pay Bayern €1.25m to Bayern Munich in add-ons," report Diario AS.

Barca signed Lewandowski from Bayern last July for an initial €45m, but with a potential total cost of €50m depending on performances.

READ: Revealed: The Barcelona players whose values have doubled this season

Barca have already missed out on €20.2m due to their group stage exit from this season's Champions League, having spent more than €150m in player transfers last summer, with Raphinha and Jules Kounde arriving for similar fees to Lewandowski.

La Liga have told Barca to balance their books by €200m in time for next season, and it is likely they will listen to offers for most of their players.

Lewandowski's goal production has slowed since the World Cup, but he, Ousmane Dembele, Pedri and Gavi are reportedly considered untouchable.

Xavi would like to keep his former midfield partner Sergio Busquets at the club beyond the end of the season, but the veteran would remove €37m from the club's wage bill should he leave on a free transfer.