Hours After Snubbing Handshake With Xavi, Robert Lewandowski Nears Barcelona Exit as Multiple MLS Clubs Target Him as DP: Reports

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski is falling off Xavi’s pecking list after the Poland international suffered an ankle injury recently. Since then, the soccer veteran has only played 86 minutes in the league. The lethal striker was even substituted by Xavi in the 57th minute against Real Sociedad. After losing his starting position and with MLS looking to poach players, reports have emerged that the forward might be on his way to the US.

The rumors caught more traction as Lewandowski was spotted snubbing Xavi for a handshake. The video went viral on social media as fans started to speculate if a surprise move was on the horizon.

MLS clubs eye Robert Lewandowski’s signature

An acronym made famous by David Beckham, Designated players (DP) have been signed by MLS clubs since 2007. The DP rule allows the MLS clubs to buy high-profile players without the struggle to manage their salary cap. With this rule, MLS clubs can sign up to 3 players in the topmost salary bracket. With the off-season arriving in the USA, clubs are looking to get their hands on an elite forward.

Robert Lewandowski’s name has emerged as multiple clubs look to sign the Poland international. The off-season is an important time for the MLS clubs to build their roster. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Xherdan Shaqiri, and most importantly Lionel Messi are some notable DP signings made by the clubs in the earlier seasons.

After pulling off the Messi move, Inter Miami is also preparing a move for Luis Suarez. After Josef Martinez’s exit, if signed, Suarez will be the club’s third DP player. Lewandowski in his previous statements has denied any interest in joining MLS, the forward also put to bed the rumors of him moving to Saudi Arabia.

However, with Lewandowski’s starting position looking to be in contention, there’s no telling what can happen next. From where things stand at the moment, it’s too early to make any assumptions. Although with the viral video surfacing, fans were quick to speculate.

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Robert Lewandowski snubs Barcelona boss after crucial win

Robert Lewandowski joined the La Liga giants in 2022. Since then the former Borussia Dortmund forward has scored 39 goals and provided 12 assists in 58 games for Barcelona. He was an instrumental part of Xavi’s team last season and won the La Liga title on his debut. However, since facing an ankle injury against Porto in Champions League things haven’t been going well for Lewandowski.

In the viral video, the Barcelona team can be seen heading back to the dressing room as Xavi stands to congratulate the players. Every player seems to give Xavi a handshake, but Robert Lewandowski avoids contact as he stands in a corner and moves when he gets a chance to snub the handshake. The video has left fans divided in their opinions.

One section of the fans contest that Lewandowski was actually waiting for the officials who were there to conduct a surprise anti-doping test. Usually, it’s before the matches these procedures take place but it does seem there could be some truth to it. Others remain adamant that the shortage of game time is the reason behind it. What’s your take? Share your thoughts in the comment below.

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