Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter has confirmed that the MLS side are hopeful of signing free-agent Robert Lewandowski this summer.
The Polish striker, 37, said his goodbyes to Barcelona at the end of a successful 2025-26 season for the Blaugrana, who retained their La Liga title.
Lewandowski departs with an impressive Barça legacy, scoring 120 goals in 193 appearances and lifting La Liga three times.
Lewandowski's Final Season at Barcelona
Lewandowski saw his influence diminish in Catalonia after scoring 42 times across all competitions last season. He notched almost 1,000 fewer minutes in La Liga this season.
The veteran found the back of the net just 19 times in La Liga—his worst goalscoring campaign since the 2010-11 season. He scored 14 total league goals.
Fitness setbacks meant Barcelona manager Hansi Flick had to carefully manage Lewandowski this season. At 37, he's not the striker he once was, but his sharpness in front of goal hasn't ceased.
Berhalter Confirms Chicago's Interest
"I can speak freely because he is no longer a Barcelona player, and he is someone we want to sign," Berhalter asserted in statements collected by Polish media outlets via MARCA.
"We have spoken with Robert Lewandowski and with the people who represent him. I am convinced that a player of his level has other offers on the table, but our communication has been frequent and very positive," Berhalter added.
Talks between the MLS franchise and Lewandowski's entourage reportedly started in December, but have increased in recent weeks.
Major Win for Chicago Fire
Not yet thinking about retirement, Lewandowski is set to move away from the spotlight of Europe and opt for a novel experience via MLS.
"We have a top-level offensive team, but bringing in a footballer of his experience, leadership, and goalscoring ability can only make us stronger," Fire's head coach said.
Berhalter said the addition of Lewandowski would be "extraordinary" for the league as well as the city of Chicago, which boasts a huge Polish diaspora.
The franchise has reached the MLS Cup playoffs only once since 2017, but has enjoyed a strong start to their 2026 campaign. Chicago are third in the Eastern Conference at the mid-season break.