Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire have reportedly made a two-year contract offer to Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, aiming to lure the 37-year-old to the United States once his deal with the Spanish champions expires. Lewandowski, entering the final five months of his contract, is not expected to renew and has been linked to an MLS move following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he will captain Poland.
Why Lewandowski Could Join Chicago Fire
The Fire hold Lewandowski’s discovery rights, giving them first priority, and negotiations have already seen positive talks, including a recent London meeting between Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi and Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto. The move would give the Polish striker a chance to become the face of the franchise and boost the club’s profile both domestically and internationally.
Manager Backing and Club Ambitions
Manager Gregg Berhalter has expressed admiration for Lewandowski’s career, calling him “a fantastic player” and highlighting his record of consistent goal-scoring across Europe’s top leagues. The Fire have long sought a marquee European star since Bastian Schweinsteiger’s retirement in 2019, with previous pursuits including Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, and Bernardo Silva all failing to materialize.
Impact on MLS
If Lewandowski joins, he would elevate the profile of MLS alongside recent signings like James Rodríguez, helping a team outside the league’s traditional powerhouses—Inter Miami, LAFC, and LA Galaxy—compete for attention and success. Lewandowski’s scoring prowess could transform Chicago Fire from a club that failed to progress past Round One of the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs into a title contender, while drawing global eyes to the league.
Current Form
Despite a reduced role in 2025–26, Lewandowski has still netted 13 goals across all competitions, following a 42-goal haul in 52 appearances last season that helped Barcelona secure a domestic treble. His arrival would bring both quality and star power to MLS, reinforcing the league’s ambition to attract top European talent.