Following the high-profile acquisition of Bafana Bafana star Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Chicago Fire are now setting their sights on signing Robert Lewandowski.
Having recently secured the 20-year-old South African international from Orlando Pirates on a deal running through 2029, Chicago Fire are looking to strengthen their frontline.
For a side that recently snapped a seven-year playoff drought, the AFCON-bound defender represents the future. His meteoric rise in South Africa, highlighted by his role in Bafana Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, provides the foundation upon which Chicago aims to build a championship contender.
With the backline sorted, Chicago has turned its attention to the sharp end of the pitch. According to BBC Sport, the club has held “positive talks” with Barcelona’s prolific goal scorer, Robert Lewandowski.
The 37-year-old Polish captain is out of contract at the Camp Nou this summer. While the Saudi Pro League remains an option and a Barcelona extension isn’t off the table, a move to MLS has emerged as a “strong possibility” for several compelling reasons.
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Interestingly, Lewandowski’s wife, Anna, was spotted visiting Chicago just last month, fueling rumours of a possible move. Chicago strategically placed Lewandowski on their ‘discovery list,’ meaning any other MLS club, including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, would have to pay the Fire a fee just for the right to negotiate with him.
Reports also suggest Lewandowski is open to the project, and his wages are not expected to be a hurdle for the club’s ambitious ownership group. Chicago’s aggressive pursuit follows high-profile, albeit unsuccessful, attempts to lure stars like Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne.
If the deal is finalised next summer, the dynamic in Chicago will shift overnight. Mbokazi will find himself sharpening his skills against one of history’s greatest finishers in training.
The veteran forward is one of only five players to have scored 100 goals for three different clubs. He ranks third among the all-time top goalscorers in the UEFA Champions League, behind Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with 105 goals, and third among the all-time European men’s top goal scorers in international football [88].
He has scored over 700 senior career goals for club and country, having previously enjoyed an eight-year career at Bayern Munich.
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