Lewandowski close to Chicago Fire move after Barcelona exit

Robert Lewandowski is close to joining Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire on a two-year deal. The 37-year-old Poland striker left Barcelona at the end of the season when his contract expired, and a move to the United States now looks increasingly likely.

Chicago had already held talks with Lewandowski last December, and the club has kept him on its discovery list since then. That means no other MLS team can sign him without paying Chicago a fee, and conversations between the two sides have continued steadily. Interest from AC Milan and the Saudi Pro League has also been reported, but Fire now appear to be in pole position.

A move to Chicago would be a major signing for the club, both on and off the pitch. The city has one of the largest Polish communities outside Poland, so Lewandowski’s arrival would carry obvious appeal. It would also add serious star power to a side that is currently third in the MLS Eastern Conference and reached the playoffs for the first time last season.

Lewandowski’s career record explains why he remains such a coveted name. He spent 12 seasons in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, winning 10 league titles and helping Bayern lift the Champions League in 2020. He came close to winning the Ballon d’Or that year before the award was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and he later finished second in 2021.

After moving to Barcelona in 2022, he continued to deliver at the highest level, scoring 120 goals in 193 games and helping the club win three La Liga titles plus the 2025 Copa del Rey. Injuries over the past year, however, limited his impact and meant he started only 17 league games last season.

Barcelona have since moved on, signing Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon on a five-year deal worth more than 80m euros, while they are still waiting on a decision from Marcus Rashford, who spent last season on loan from Manchester United. Reports have also linked them with a move for Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.

For Lewandowski, Chicago would offer a fresh chapter after a decorated European career. For Fire, it would be a statement signing of the highest order.