Robert Lewandowski: Polish striker set for MLS transfer move with Chicago Fire

Robert Lewandowski: Polish striker set for MLS transfer move with Chicago Fire

Major League Soccer is preparing for the arrival of another global icon as Robert Lewandowski has agreed to join the Chicago Fire. The 37-year-old Polish striker arrives as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with FC Barcelona, where he secured three championships over four seasons.

According to The Athletic, the veteran forward has agreed to a two-year contract. This agreement could make Lewandowski one of the highest-paid players in the league's history.

The move follows a strategic pursuit by Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto and head coach and director of football Gregg Berhalter. The club had previously attempted to sign Neymar in 2025 and made advances toward Thomas Müller, who eventually joined the Vancouver Whitecaps. To secure Lewandowski, the striker visited the city and the club's training facilities two weeks ago to discuss the sporting project.

"We’re trying to recruit world-class players. 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, Fire director of football and manager, via Up & Adams podcast

Lewandowski enters the league with a prolific professional record of 629 goals and 159 assists in 869 appearances for clubs including Borussia Dortmund, FC Bayern Munich, Lech Poznan, and Znicz Pruszkow. He also recorded 88 goals in 167 caps for Poland. In his final season with Barcelona, he scored 19 goals and provided two assists. He leaves the Spanish club having scored 120 goals in 193 games.

The signing is expected to have immediate tactical and commercial implications. Berhalter has recently experimented with a two-striker system, which would pair Lewandowski with Hugo Cuypers, the current league leader in goals. The move also serves the city's significant Polish population and coincides with the club's planned move to the new McDonald’s Park stadium in the South Loop.

Beyond the immediate impact, the Fire hope Lewandowski's arrival can act as a catalyst for further recruitment. The Athletic reports that the club is hoping to convince Leon Goretzka, a former Bayern Munich teammate of Lewandowski, to join the project despite competing offers from European clubs.

Lewandowski's transition to the U.S. Comes after he spent the summer recovering; he missed the 2026 World Cup after Poland failed to qualify, with his last appearance being a friendly against Nigeria on June 3. He chose the Chicago project over interest from AC Milan and various clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

He joins a growing list of international stars in the league, including Son Heung-min, Hugo Lloris, and Timo Werner. He will also enter the league alongside Antoine Griezmann, who is set to join Orlando City after the World Cup.

The official announcement is expected early next week. Lewandowski is projected to make his debut on July 16 against the Vancouver Whitecaps, which would see him face his former teammate Thomas Müller.

As Lewandowski departs, FC Barcelona is reportedly looking to fill the void. According to the Daily Mail, the La Liga champions have reached out to England and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane, though a potential deal would likely be revisited after the World Cup concludes.