'He is a player we want to sign' - Chicago Fire step up Robert Lewandowski chase

'He is a player we want to sign' - Chicago Fire step up Robert Lewandowski chase

Chicago Fire manager Gregg Berhalter has confirmed that the MLS club are in talks to sign former FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski after the forward decided to leave the Spanish champions.

Barcelona had offered Lewandowski a new deal, but the contract would have reduced his role in the squad and lowered his wages. The Polish striker chose not to continue at the club and is now weighing up his next move ahead of the new season.

The veteran forward has already been linked with clubs in Italy and Saudi Arabia, but Chicago Fire FC are currently one of the teams showing the strongest interest.

Berhalter admitted the club are working hard to convince Lewandowski to move to Major League Soccer and believes the striker would make a huge impact both on and off the pitch.

"I don't believe there are no other offers for him," Berhalter said. "A player of his quality will always attract interest.

"We have spoken a lot with him and with the people around him. He is a player we want to sign."

The former United States coach also believes Lewandowski's arrival would excite both the city and the league, especially with Chicago's strong Polish community.

"We think he would be a fantastic signing for the club, for the city and for MLS," Berhalter added.

"A player of that level can only improve our team. We already have a strong attacking side and his experience and quality would make us even better."

Lewandowski is not under pressure to rush his decision and is expected to consider all available options before choosing his next club. With Poland failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the striker has extra time to focus fully on his future after bringing his successful spell at Barcelona to an end.

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