Chicago Fire and Poland’s record striker are in the final stages of a deal that would bring Robert Lewandowski to MLS this summer, a source told ESPN. Negotiations revolve around a free‑agent move after his Barcelona contract expires at the end of the 2025‑26 season. It would be MLS’s biggest free‑agent signing.

Lewandowski amassed three La Liga crowns, a Copa del Rey, three Spanish Super Cups, ten Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich and Dortmund, and the 2020 Champions League. Head coach Gregg Berhalter said the striker ranks alongside Messi in ability and will lift the club and league. Fire fans remember Berhalter steering the team to its first playoff berth in eight years last season.

Chicago Fire sit third in the Eastern Conference with 26 points from 14 matches, trailing Nashville SC and Inter Miami. A July 22 showdown at Miami’s stadium could pit Lewandowski against Lionel Messi, adding marquee appeal. Fans anticipate an uptick in ticket sales and TV ratings. The signing promises to sharpen the Fire’s attack as they chase a deeper postseason run.