Robert Lewandowski has parted ways with Barcelona after four seasons, and Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter has openly expressed the club's pursuit of the Polish striker. Berhalter, the former USMNT boss, confirmed that the Fire are actively seeking to sign the 37-year-old, who concluded his Barcelona tenure with 120 goals in 193 appearances and three La Liga titles. Despite being a club legend, Lewandowski's reduced role in the 2025-26 season, where he scored only 19 goals and played nearly 1,000 fewer La Liga minutes than the previous campaign, prompted both sides to move on.
Why is Chicago Fire Pursuing Robert Lewandowski?
Berhalter did not mince words regarding the club's interest. 'I can speak freely because he is no longer a Barcelona player, and he is someone we want to sign,' he said, as reported by Polish media outlets and MARCA. Talks reportedly began as early as December, accelerating once it became clear that Lewandowski had played his final match for Barcelona. 'We have spoken with Robert Lewandowski and with his representatives. I am convinced that a player of his caliber has other offers, but our communication has been frequent and very positive,' Berhalter added.
The rationale behind the pursuit is evident. Chicago has made only one playoff appearance since 2017, yet currently sits third in the Eastern Conference at the mid-season break of the 2026 campaign. Adding a striker who scored 27 goals last season, a tally that placed him in contention for the Pichichi Trophy, even if age and workload management are now factors, would provide the finishing presence the club has lacked for years. Berhalter described the potential signing as 'extraordinary' for both the league and the city, highlighting Chicago's substantial Polish-American community. 'We have a top-level offensive team, but bringing in a footballer of his experience, leadership, and goalscoring ability can only make us stronger,' he said.
What Would Lewandowski's Arrival Mean for MLS?
Lewandowski himself hinted at his next destination, acknowledging interest in 'an option in a lower league.' At 37, the physical demands of MLS are more manageable than contending for minutes in a La Liga title race. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick carefully managed his workload this past season, and the drop from 27 goals to 14 reflected that load management as much as any decline in ability.
What makes this particularly compelling for MLS is the prospect of Lewandowski sharing the same league, and potentially the same pitch, as Lionel Messi. A Lewandowski versus Messi showdown in MLS would be a story that transcends American soccer. Two of the defining players of the last 15 years, still competitive, meeting in an Eastern versus Western Conference clash at Inter Miami or Soldier Field.
Lewandowski's record speaks for itself: nearly 1,000 career club goals, eight Bundesliga titles, a Champions League trophy, and multiple Golden Boots. His sharpness in the box remains intact. What has changed is his tolerance for being a substitute. MLS provides a stage where he can still be the main event.
