A legend heads to MLS
Robert Lewandowski, one of the greatest strikers in football history, is close to signing for Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.
The 37-year-old Poland international left Barcelona at the end of the season when his contract expired. He is now expected to sign a two-year deal in Chicago, becoming one of the highest earners in MLS history.
Why Chicago?
Chicago Fire have been pursuing Lewandowski for months. The club first held talks with him in December 2025, and there has been constant dialogue between both parties since then.
Lewandowski has been on Chicago’s “discovery list,” which means no other MLS club can sign him without paying a fee to Fire. This gave them exclusive negotiating power.
The fit makes sense beyond football. Chicago boasts one of the largest Polish communities outside of Poland, making it a natural home for the Polish icon.
The competition
Chicago were not the only club interested. AC Milan and several Saudi Pro League clubs also made approaches for Lewandowski. But the pull of MLS and the Chicago community appears to have won out.
What Lewandowski brings
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 12 seasons in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich
- 10 league titles in Germany
- 2020 Champions League winner with Bayern
- Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2020 and 2021
- Ballon d’Or runner-up in 2021 (the 2020 award was cancelled due to Covid)
- 120 goals in 193 games at Barcelona
- 3 La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey with Barca
He is Poland’s all-time record goalscorer and one of the most prolific strikers the game has ever seen.
What it means for MLS
Lewandowski’s arrival would be another marquee signing for MLS, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and other global stars who have moved to the league in recent years.
Chicago Fire are currently third in the MLS Eastern Conference and made their first play-off appearance last season. Adding Lewandowski could push them into genuine title contention.
Fire return to action after the World Cup break on Friday, 17 July against Vancouver. If the deal goes through, Lewandowski could make his debut that night.
What about Barcelona?
Since Lewandowski’s departure, Barcelona have been busy. They have already signed Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon on a five-year deal worth over €80m (£69.3m).
The club are also awaiting a decision from Marcus Rashford, who spent last season on loan from Manchester United. Reports suggest Barcelona are also interested in England striker Harry Kane, who is in the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich.
For Lewandowski, though, the next chapter is clear: Chicago awaits.