Lewandowski agrees to join Chicago Fire as Fabrizio Romano confirms move with 'here we go'
Robert Lewandowski has reached an agreement with Chicago Fire, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano giving the deal his signature 'here we go' confirmation. The Polish striker will travel to the United States early next week to sign a multi-year contract.
A path finally cleared
Months of speculation over Robert Lewandowski's next club ended on 28 June when Fabrizio Romano announced the Polish captain's move to Chicago Fire. The striker's Barcelona contract expires at the end of June, and no renewal was offered beyond a one-year extension. After a visit to the city two weeks ago, Lewandowski and his entourage boarded a flight on 12 June, met by billboards welcoming him along the highway from O'Hare. The deal had earlier appeared to cool, with The Athletic reporting in spring that the Fire were satisfied with forward Hugo Cuypers and not prioritising the position. The turnaround began on 11 June when coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter publicly confirmed the club was working on the signing.
The Polish striker agreed to join Chicago Fire after visiting the club and city two weeks ago. Lewandowski will sign the contract early next week and is ready for a new chapter in MLS.
Contract details on the table
The offer, as relayed by journalist Roman Kołtoń and confirmed by Romano, is worth €15 million per year in base salary, rising to as much as €20 million with bonuses. The contract length will be either two or three years, at Lewandowski's discretion. By contrast, Barcelona had proposed only a 12-month extension. The Fire's presentation included details about a fitness studio for his wife Ania and schooling for the couple's children.
Americans impressed Robert with their professionalism and ambitions. They showed him where they are and what they want to achieve. They even showed him the building where Ania will have her fitness studio. Schools for the kids? Absolutely.
Chicago's superclub ambitions
The Fire have long sought a global marquee name. According to Romano, the club previously pursued Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne. Berhalter, who has served as head coach and director of sport since 2024, views Lewandowski as more than a player, describing him earlier this year as an ambassador who can help transform Chicago into a 'superclub'. Janusz Michallik, an ESPN analyst, remarked that the signing would suddenly draw millions of eyes to the franchise.
They see in Robert someone much bigger than a footballer: an ambassador of the project. Someone who can help turn Chicago Fire into a superclub. He is the one to ensure that millions of eyes suddenly look at this club. We're talking about one of the best strikers in history.
A stellar career crossing the Atlantic
Lewandowski, 37, has won every major club trophy including the Champions League with Bayern Munich in the 2019/20 season. He spent his most prolific years at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern before moving to Barcelona. For Poland, he has scored 89 goals in 167 internationals, appearing at the European Championship and World Cup. MLS has previously hosted icons such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Kaká, and currently Lionel Messi. Lewandowski's arrival adds another Ballon d'Or contender to the league's expanding list of stars.
Next steps
The signing is expected early in the week following 28 June. Romano stressed that the offer has been on the table for some time, valid for two or three years, and that the final decision rested solely with the player. With the 'here we go' signal, only the formalities remain.
- Coach Gregg Berhalter confirms the club is working to sign Lewandowski and asks fans for patience.
- Lewandowski and his representatives fly to Chicago, greeted by welcoming billboards along the highway from O'Hare.
- Fabrizio Romano announces 'here we go' — Lewandowski agrees to join Chicago Fire, contract to be signed early next week.
