Wire flash
SportsLewandowski joins Chicago Fire on one-year free transfer after Barcelona exit
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
Robert Lewandowski, the 37-year-old Polish striker, has confirmed his move to Major League Soccer, signing a one-year free transfer deal with Chicago Fire after his contract with Barcelona expired. Lewandowski leaves Barcelona having scored 120 goals in four seasons, following 344 goals for Bayern Munich. His arrival in Chicago, which has one of the largest Polish communities outside Poland, was met with excitement, including free Polish hotdogs offered by a local restaurant and a welcome message from the Chicago Bulls. Chicago Fire director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter praised Lewandowski as a champion and competitor who embodies the club's ambition to win championships. The move coincides with Chicago Fire opening their new stadium, McDonald's Park.
Source report
By Samuel Meade, Sports Brand Writer 22:49, 29 Jun 2026
Robert Lewandowski has opted to move to MLS, with Chicago Fire signing the Polish striker on a free transfer following his departure from Barcelona.
Lewandowski, now 37, was allowed to leave the Spanish giants as his contract wound down. Despite being linked with other clubs in Europe, he has chosen to cross the Atlantic.
The Pole has remained prolific and leaves Barcelona having scored 120 goals in four seasons. Previously, he scored 344 times for Bayern Munich. He will now head to Chicago, which has one of the largest Polish communities outside Poland.
Lewandowski's arrival has been met with huge excitement. His signing was announced on the board outside Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. One restaurant began handing out 100 free Polish hotdogs in celebration, while the Chicago Bulls also issued a message welcoming the striker.
Club Statement
Director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter said of the Lewandowski deal:
"From the day Joe Mansueto and I met for the first time, we set out to build a world-class Club that inspires greatness, unites Chicago and wins championships. Robert embodies those values and represents the standards this city deserves: a champion and a competitor. His arrival reinforces our ambition to compete for trophies and raises the standards for the Club to heights worthy of this city. We cannot wait to get to work with him and have Chicago see first-hand why he is among the most revered sporting icons in the world."
Contract and Stadium Developments
Chicago Fire have signed Lewandowski to a one-year deal. His move to Illinois coincides with the club opening their new stadium, McDonald's Park, while their state-of-the-art Endeavor Health Performance Center opened only last year.
Career Context
Lewandowski has been one of the great strikers of the 21st century and is a Champions League winner. Had it not been for the Covid pandemic, the Pole would likely have won the Ballon d'Or, which was not awarded that season.
Lewandowski may not be the only major European player to spend his twilight years in MLS. Casemiro, whose contract at Manchester United recently expired, has been linked with a move to America.
READ MORE:
- Sandro Tonali offered massive £86million deal by Tottenham to turn back on Newcastle
- Arsenal told to stump up record fee for Morgan Rogers as Aston Villa name their price
Source
Mirror - Transfer NewsWestern
Part of this Story
Robert Lewandowski Visits Chicago to Negotiate MLS Move with Chicago Fire