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SportsChicago Fire sign Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona on free transfer
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According to Mundo Deportivo, 38-year-old Robert Lewandowski has officially joined MLS side Chicago Fire as a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired. He received a grand farewell from Barcelona and turned down offers from Saudi Arabia. Chicago Fire's head coach Gregg Berhalter and sporting director Gregg Broughton led negotiations that began 18 months ago. After Lewandowski's departure from Barcelona was confirmed on May 16, the club accelerated its efforts, arranging overseas meetings, giving him a tour of Chicago, and conducting a market analysis of his commercial potential—noting Chicago's large Polish community. To impress him, Chicago Fire placed welcome billboards along the route from O'Hare International Airport 15 days before the final agreement. The two-time European Golden Shoe winner is expected to debut on July 17 at Soldier Field against the Vancouver Whitecaps, facing former teammate Thomas Müller.
Source report
July 3, Hupu News — According to a report by Mundo Deportivo journalist Sergio Escario, 38-year-old Robert Lewandowski has officially become a player for Chicago Fire following the expiration of his contract with Barcelona. Upon leaving the Spanish club, he received a grand farewell.
Mundo Deportivo had previously reported that Lewandowski, the all-time top scorer for the Polish national team with 89 goals, also received offers from Saudi Arabia but ultimately chose to join Major League Soccer (MLS).
Chicago Fire's Pursuit
The Chicago Fire management made significant efforts to convince Lewandowski to join. Head coach Gregg Berhalter and sporting director Gregg Broughton led the negotiations, which began as early as 18 months ago. The two worked tirelessly to demonstrate to Lewandowski and his family that joining Chicago Fire was the right choice for the next stage of his career.
After it was confirmed on May 16th that Lewandowski would leave Barcelona, the Chicago Fire side accelerated their efforts. Their actions included:
- Arranging multiple overseas meetings
- Giving Lewandowski a tour of Chicago
- Conducting a market analysis of commercial interests for the former Barcelona striker
Notably, Chicago is home to one of the largest Polish communities outside of Poland.
Welcome Campaign
To welcome Lewandowski, Chicago Fire placed welcome billboards along the route from O'Hare International Airport to downtown Chicago — 15 days before the final agreement was reached. At the time, Lewandowski was visiting the city, and the club aimed to give him an early taste of the reception he would receive.
Upcoming Debut
As a result of these efforts, the two-time European Golden Shoe winner will now wear the Chicago Fire jersey. According to the plan, Lewandowski is expected to make his debut on July 17th at the historic Soldier Field against the Vancouver Whitecaps. There, he will face the team of his former teammate Thomas Müller.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
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