Robert Lewandowski agrees to join Chicago Fire on free transfer

Robert Lewandowski agrees to join Chicago Fire on free transfer

Robert Lewandowski has reached an agreement to join the Chicago Fire, moving to Major League Soccer as a free agent following a trophy-laden four-year tenure with FC Barcelona. The 37-year-old Polish striker, who concludes his association with the Catalan club on June 30, is expected to complete the signing next week, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The move follows a period of heavy pursuit by the Chicago Fire, led by owner Joe Mansueto. To finalize the decision, Lewandowski visited the club's facilities and the city of Chicago earlier this month. While he fielded interest from AC Milan, Juventus, and several teams in the Saudi Pro League, the veteran forward ultimately chose North America. Sources briefed on the situation via The Athletic indicate he will sign a two-year contract and is set to be among the highest earners in the league.

Chicago Fire head coach and director of football Gregg Berhalter has been vocal regarding the acquisition. Speaking on Up & Adams, Berhalter described Lewandowski as a world-class player and stated:

"We think [Lewandowski would] be a great signing not only for the Chicago Fire, but for the league, to have a player of that caliber. We see him right up there with [Lionel] Messi in terms of ability, and it’d be great for the city of Chicago."

Gregg Berhalter, head coach and director of football, via Up & Adams

The arrival of the Poland international is timed to coincide with the club's ambitions to boost its profile and sell tickets for the new McDonald’s Park stadium, which is scheduled to open in the South Loop area in 2028. The move is also seen as a nod to the significant Polish population residing in Chicago.

Lewandowski leaves Europe as a certified legend. During his time at Barcelona, he won three La Liga titles and the Pichichi prize for top scorer. Across four seasons, he netted 120 goals in total. His final campaign saw him record 19 goals and two assists, though he dealt with injuries as he aged. In a social media post announcing his departure, Lewandowski wrote that he leaves with the feeling that the mission is complete and called Catalonia my place on earth.

The signing may trigger further recruitment for the Fire. The Athletic reports that the club hopes Lewandowski's presence will help convince his former Bayern Munich teammate, 31-year-old Leon Goretzka, to join the side despite competing offers from European clubs.

Tactically, Berhalter has recently experimented with a two-striker system. The plan is to pair Lewandowski with Hugo Cuypers, the current leading scorer in the league. Berhalter told Mateusz Skwierawski that the striker has every opportunity to become a great star in America and that the country is ready for him.

Lewandowski's jump to the U.S. Follows a broader trend of global stars joining MLS since Lionel Messi's 2023 arrival at Inter Miami. He joins a league that now includes Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris at LAFC, Thomas Müller at Vancouver Whitecaps, and Timo Werner at San Jose Earthquakes. Antoine Griezmann is also expected to join Orlando City following the World Cup.

With the Fire currently sitting third in the 2026 Eastern Conference—five points behind Inter Miami with a game in hand—the club is moving quickly on immigration paperwork. If processed in time, Lewandowski could make his competitive debut on July 16 against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Meanwhile, FC Barcelona is searching for a successor for the number 9 shirt. Reports from Argentina suggest Julian Alvarez has agreed a five-year deal, though Atletico allegedly wants a $171 million cash offer to sanction the transfer.