Robert Lewandowski (37, FC Barcelona, Forward) has publicly acknowledged he is considering a move to a "lower league" as his contract enters its final weeks following Barcelona's La Liga title win. Chicago Fire are the primary suitors, with reports from Foot Africa indicating the MLS side has prepared an initial €15 million per year offer, potentially rising to €20 million with bonuses. Speaking to Eleven Sports during title celebrations in May 2026, Lewandowski confirmed he had 51 days remaining on his current deal and admitted that approaching his 38th birthday, "it might be time" to weigh his future.
Chicago Fire and MLS confirm formal pursuit
The interest from the United States is more than speculative. Chicago Fire Sporting Director Gregg Broughton confirmed to Barca Universal that the club and Major League Soccer are working to secure the striker. Strategically, Chicago is an ideal landing spot due to having the largest Polish population outside of Poland, a demographic leverage the club previously used when signing high-profile veterans like Bastian Schweinsteiger. By targeting Lewandowski, Chicago aims to solve a long-standing need for elite finishing that has hindered their playoff ambitions in recent seasons. Unlike European transfers, the MLS structure involves the league central office in contract negotiations for flagship "Designated Player" signings of this magnitude.
Barcelona's financial balancing act
While Lewandowski’s output remains high—tracking for a third consecutive 20-goal campaign—his departure would significantly alleviate Barcelona’s wage bill. President Joan Laporta previously suggested the club was open to a renewal, but only under a reduced role. Replacing a veteran on such high wages is a priority as Barcelona navigates La Liga’s strict spending limits, particularly with reports frequently linking the club to younger profiles like Julian Alvarez. Lewandowski’s agent, Pini Zahavi, was recently in Barcelona to meet with Hansi Flick and Deco, likely to finalise whether the striker exits as a free agent on June 30 or accepts a heavily structured short-term extension to remain in Catalonia.
With just over seven weeks remaining on his deal, Lewandowski is expected to make a final decision following Barcelona's concluding domestic fixtures.