La Liga president Javier Tebas has claimed that Barcelona cannot afford to sign Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski this summer, as things stand.
The 33-year-old has been widely expected to join the Catalan side in the upcoming transfer window following talks of a three-year deal being agreed between the player and club.
However, the La Liga chief has cast doubt over a potential transfer to Barcelona in the upcoming transfer window, suggesting that Xavi's side do not possess the financial capability of signing the striker.
Speaking to Marca, when asked if Barca could afford Lewandowski, Tebas said: "As of today, no. Other things have to happen that I don't know if they are going to happen.
"In their budget they had a sale of Barça Estudios that I don't see. The numbers are very easy, yes You have more than 500 million losses from the previous two years, you have to recover them to be able to sign without the 1/3 rule Lewandowski has one year left at Bayern, between what Lewandowski wants to earn and what Bayern wants to take.
"It gives me the feeling, as of today I don't see him at Barcelona."
Due to La Liga restrictions placed on the club as a result of its significant financial losses over a number of years, Barcelona struggled to register a number of its new signings last summer, and were unable to afford Lionel Messi's contract extension to keep the Argentinian at the Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, Lewandowski has gone on to score 344 goals in 375 appearances across all competitions for the Bavarians since joining the club in 2014, where he enters the final 12 months of his contract this summer.
Matthew Tranter
