By Tomàs Andreu. Published: 09 FEB 2026 22:48 (updated 09 FEB 2026 23:02). Chicago Fire is determined not to let Rober Lewandowski slip away. Since late last year, when initial reports linked the MLS franchise with the Polish striker, the American club has relentlessly worked to convince both Lewandowski and his wife that Chicago would be an ideal destination once he finishes the current season with Barça.
The club’s approach includes engaging Lewandowski’s inner circle. In November his wife, Ana, visited Chicago and was seen exploring a residential area, part of the franchise’s effort to show the city’s appeal to the family. A few days later, in early December, a Chicago delegation held talks in Barcelona. Since then, additional meetings have followed, involving influential figures who can shape the Polish forward’s future.
Agent Pini Zahavi has been central to the discussions: he reportedly met in London with Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansue o a few weeks ago. It is important to note Pini’s ongoing business ties with the franchise and that he has recently represented Philip Zinckernagel, easing lines of communication between the parties.
Chicago is also highlighting the city’s large Polish community as a persuasive factor for the Lewandowski family. The franchise has a history with notable Polish players — Piotr Nowak, Jerzy Podbrożny and Przemysław Frankowski have all been involved with the club — and it has fielded players with dual nationality such as Gala Slonina and David Poreba.
The move forms part of an ambitious plan to transform Chicago Fire’s standing in MLS. The club has long tracked top talents and previously targeted big names like Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, Salah and, more recently, Bernardo Silva without success. Now the franchise hopes to make a definitive splash this summer by securing the Polish international.
Coach Gregg Berhal er declined to comment on the specifics of negotiations between Lewandowski and Chicago Fire, but made clear his admiration for the striker, noting that no player has outscored him across the five top leagues over the past 15 years and that he has consistently delivered at every club where he has played.
For now, the situation remains fluid: Chicago Fire is taking concrete steps to present Lewandowski with an attractive two-year proposal for after his season at Barça, and a final decision on the player’s future will be expected in due course.
