Chicago Fire manager Berhalter confirms talks with Lewandowski as striker weighs summer options

Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter has confirmed his club are in direct talks with Robert Lewandowski, the veteran striker who is departing Barcelona as a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season. Berhalter made the admission publicly, citing Lewandowski’s imminent departure from the Catalan club as his reason for speaking openly.

“He is someone we want to sign,” Berhalter told Polish outlet Przegląd Sportowy Onet. “We believe that both the Polish community and the entire Chicago community support this transfer. We believe that he would be a fantastic signing for the club, the city and the league.”

Lewandowski had been offered a contract extension at Barcelona, but the terms represented a significantly reduced salary and a lesser squad role than he currently holds. The 36-year-old declined and is now assessing his options for next season, with reported interest from clubs in Italy and Saudi Arabia alongside Chicago Fire’s pursuit.

Berhalter was candid about the competitive landscape, acknowledging that a player of Lewandowski’s standing is unlikely to be short of suitors. “I don’t believe there aren’t other offers,” he said. “I find it hard to believe it, and I’m sure a player of his calibre should have offers. As for our communication, we have had a lot — both with him and with his entourage.”

Despite the optimism in Berhalter’s public comments, reports from within the Fire camp have previously described the club as pessimistic about securing a deal. Lewandowski’s decision is not expected to be rushed: Poland failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup, meaning the striker has no major international tournament commitments to factor into his timeline.

For Chicago Fire, landing Lewandowski would represent a marquee signing in the mould of the high-profile arrivals MLS has attracted in recent years. Berhalter framed the move as one that could elevate both the club and the league. “A player of such a high level can only strengthen our team and its potential,” he said. “We already have a very strong and offensive team, and their addition can only strengthen us even more.”