US legend urges Lewandowski to pick LA Galaxy as Chicago Fire talks advance
Former US international Paul Caligiuri publicly called on Robert Lewandowski to join Los Angeles Galaxy, as the Polish striker is reportedly in advanced talks with Chicago Fire.
The public pitch
Robert Lewandowski is on the radar of multiple Major League Soccer clubs, and one former US international is making a direct appeal. Paul Caligiuri, who earned 110 caps for the United States and spent his final playing years with LA Galaxy, confirmed the Polish striker's name is circulating in MLS circles and urged him to choose the California sun over the Windy City.
Lewandowski is definitely on the radar. We'd love to have him. I don't know, maybe he'll go to Chicago, where we have many Poles. But we'd love to have you. If you're hearing this, come to Los Angeles. I played for Galaxy. I want you at Galaxy. Come on!
The Chicago connection
Caligiuri's plea comes as Lewandowski is reportedly pursuing a concrete option in Illinois. According to reports, the 37-year-old flew to the United States on Friday for talks with Chicago Fire. Journalist Roman Kołtoń suggests a three-year contract is under discussion, with an annual salary of approximately 20 million euros. Chicago's large Polish community is widely cited as a factor that could tip the decision in the Fire's favour.
A post-World Cup wave
Caligiuri expects Lewandowski will be one of several stars drawn to MLS following the upcoming World Cup, a repeat of the 1994 pattern when the league launched with names like Carlos Valderrama, Marco Etcheverry, and Lothar Matthäus. He also named Cristiano Ronaldo among players who could make the move. The former US midfielder sees the tournament as a catalyst that could boost the league's profile and attract talent nearing the end of their European careers.
You never know who else might come, because when you look at the 1994 World Cup, after it we launched Major League Soccer with many stars from 1994. I think at this World Cup we have some great players who have had wonderful careers and could contribute to growing and raising the profile of football, especially in Major League Soccer.
High praise from US veterans
Former US striker Clint Mathis echoed the enthusiasm, calling Lewandowski a phenomenal player and one of the best pure finishers the game has produced. Mathis said he would gladly attend a match involving the Polish captain. Fans in Los Angeles also welcomed the prospect, with one telling PAP after the USA-Paraguay match that, given a choice, he would avoid Chicago's brutal winters and pick LA.
I certainly hope Lewandowski comes, because I'd love to see him in action. A phenomenal player. One of the best natural-born strikers who has ever appeared. He has proven it time and again wherever he has played.
