Barcelona and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski is reportedly considering the option of joining the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer.
According to the BBC, the 37-year-old goal machine “is open to the move and his wages are not expected to be an issue.”
Should Chicago add Lewandowski to its already potent attack, it could shift the power balance in the Eastern Conference. The Fire finished with 68 regular-season goals, only trailing MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.
Lewandowski has scored eight goals through 12 league matches for the Catalan giants, who lead La Liga with 43 points through 17 matches played.
Chicago finished eighth in the Eastern Conference and qualified for the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. The Fire advanced past Orlando City in the single-match wild card round before being eliminated by the top-seeded Philadelphia Union in a best-of-three series.
If Chicago Adds Lewandowski, They Could Be a Threat to Messi’s Inter Miami
Lewandowski’s habitual goal-getting for Barcelona and previous club Bayern Munich would enhance head coach Gregg Berhalter’s attack.
Forward Hugo Cuypers tallied 17 regular-season goals, and midfielder Philip Zinckernagel registered 15 goals and 15 assists during the 2025 regular season.
Lewandowski has been reportedly weighing several options. He could choose to remain at Camp Nou, make a high-wage switch to the Saudi Pro League or join an MLS club.
The Fire hold discovery rights for the 6-foot-1 striker, meaning that no other MLS team can sign him without having to pay a fee to Chicago.
Inter Miami have been linked to Lewandowski’s signature, and the Herons have an open designated player slot. The permanent transfer of Rodrigo De Paul from Atletico Madrid took one of the two DP slots after Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retired following the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs.
Lewandowski currently ranks third among all-time top goalscorers in the UEFA Champions League with 105 goals. He trails only Cristiano Ronaldo (140) and Lionel Messi (129).
Should Lewandowski land on American shores with the Fire, Messi and his Inter Miami teammates will have strong competition in 2026.