Chicago Fire are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, potentially a major coup for the MLS team.
Lewandowski is approaching the end of his current Barcelona contract and will be out of contract in the summer of 2026. BBC Sport reports that Chicago have held positive talks with the 37-year-old regarding a move to MLS.
The Polish legend may still have the option of staying at Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League would almost certainly offer a lucrative next step in his career. However the Fire are eager to bring in a big-name designated player - having recently shown interest in Neymar and Kevin de Bruyne - and would likely put together a competitive package.
If Lewandowski is interested in a move to MLS it is Chicago who are in pole position. The Fire hold Lewandowski’s discovery rights, meaning that any other MLS team would have to pay compensation to Chicago to sign him.
Signing Lewandowski would be a major draw for Chicago’s large Polish community, the biggest of any city in the United States. The former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund striker has scored 109 goals in 164 games for Barcelona, adding two La Liga titles to his bulging trophy cabinet.
The Chicago Fire enjoyed a real resurgence in 2025, fueled in part by a sensational breakthrough season from winger Philip Zinckernagel. The Fire made a first playoff appearance since 2017 and will be eager to build on that in the new year.