Robert Lewandowski Reportedly Finalizing Deal With Chicago Fire

CHICAGO — Robert Lewandowski is reportedly close to joining Chicago Fire FC in a move that has already drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer.

Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano reported Sunday that Lewandowski had agreed to join the Fire after visiting the club and city earlier this month. Several international outlets also reported the 37-year-old Polish striker was finalizing a deal with Chicago, while NBC Chicago reported Monday that sources confirmed Lewandowski recently came to Chicago to discuss a contract and is expected to sign with the Fire.

The reported move has drawn comparisons to Messi signing with Inter Miami in 2023. Lewandowski and Messi, both former FC Barcelona stars, would play in the same conference if the move becomes official.

Chicago Fire FC had not announced the signing as of Monday morning.

Lewandowski would arrive as one of the most accomplished strikers of his generation. He spent four seasons with Barcelona after a prolific run with Bayern Munich and has been one of the most prominent players in international soccer for Poland.

The move could have particular resonance in Chicago, long home to one of the nation's largest Polish communities. Census estimates cited in demographic summaries put the Polish ancestry population in the broader Chicago metropolitan area at more than 700,000, among the largest Polish populations of any metro area outside Poland. Chicago itself also has a large Polish American population, and Polish is frequently cited as one of the city’s most widely spoken languages.

The reported pursuit of Lewandowski comes as the Fire continue a broader push to raise the club's profile in Chicago. In May, the club announced that its new $750 million, privately funded stadium will be named McDonald's Park, marking McDonald’s first-ever naming-rights partnership for a major professional sports stadium. The 22,000-seat soccer-specific stadium, which broke ground in March, is scheduled to open in 2028 in The 78, a planned riverfront neighborhood in the South Loop.

RELATED: McDonald's To Name Chicago Fire's New $750M Stadium In Landmark Deal

Fire owner Joe Mansueto has described the stadium project as part of the club’s effort to build a "world class Club"
with Chicago at the center of its identity. The stadium is also expected to serve as a year-round sports and entertainment venue, with capacity for up to 31,000 people for concerts and special events.

The timing of the reported deal could also work in the Fire's favor. Poland is not playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 3-2 to Sweden in a European qualifying playoff final on March 31. Because Lewandowski is not with Poland at the World Cup, he could be available when MLS resumes after its World Cup break, assuming a deal is completed and he is registered in time.

The Fire's next scheduled MLS match is July 16 at home against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, according to the club's schedule. The match is Chicago's first game following a lengthy break for the FIFA World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19 in North America.

The Fire then visit Inter Miami CF on July 22 and New York City FC on July 25 before returning home Aug. 1 against Charlotte FC. The Miami match could become one of the league's marquee games if Lewandowski joins Chicago and faces Messi's club.

Major League Soccer's secondary transfer window opens July 13 and runs through Sept. 2. That means the earliest realistic debut date would likely be July 16 against Vancouver, though that would depend on the contract being completed, league registration, fitness and the club’s plans.

No contract terms had been announced by the club as of Monday afternoon.