Robert Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona is unclear as his contract nears its end. At 37 years old, the club has not yet made a decision about extending his stay, a choice the player is deferring until after the presidential elections.
Meanwhile, a new opportunity has emerged: a potential move to MLS, where he could become a competitor to Lionel Messi and challenge Inter Miami.
Reports indicate that the option of relocating to the United States has shifted from a mere rumor to a viable choice. After previous links to Saudi Arabia, AC Milan, and Turkey, the Chicago Fire is now the leading contender to sign Lewandowski and has begun efforts to attract him.
As ESPN journalist Janusz Michallik noted, “The club knows Robert is waiting for FC Barcelona, but they are doing everything possible to convince him.” He added that “Chicago is fully committed to signing him and is making efforts to win over him and his wife.”
Chicago Fire’s coach and sporting director, Gregg Berhalter, reached out months ago, personally visiting Spain to speak with Lewandowski and his agent.
Lewandowski and Messi Could Reignite Their Rivalry in MLS
Berhalter aimed to outline a project involving financial benefits and a life plan for Lewandowski’s family, hoping to make him the face of a franchise looking to grow into a “superclub” before its new stadium opens in 2028.
However, Chicago’s pursuit adds pressure on Lewandowski: if he does not decide by this transfer window, the club is prepared to pursue other options.
An exciting aspect of this potential transfer is the chance for Lewandowski to reunite with Lionel Messi. If the move occurs, Lewandowski would become a key rival to the Argentine superstar in the U.S.
This development would reopen a relationship marked by past tensions, including disagreements over the 2021 Ballon d’Or voting and a World Cup incident where Messi did not acknowledge Lewandowski after a foul.