Robert Lewandowski to MLS? Chicago Fire lead race for Barcelona striker after wife’s visit

Lewandowski’s wife has already visited Chicago with a view to MLS move

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski looks likely to move on this summer and his destination could be becoming clearer after recent developments. MLS side Chicago Fire are known to be big admirers and it is an option the family are considering.

Lewandowski, 37, will be a free agent in July after his current FC Barcelona contract expires. While staying at the Catalan club is still a possibility, as time ticks on and the offers from elsewhere increase, it is becoming easier to imagine the centre forward wearing different colours next season.

Whether or not a renewal offer from Barcelona eventually arrives, the Poland international will not be short of options come the summer.

As things stand, MLS outfit Chicago Fire are considered amongst the frontrunners after Mundo Deportivo reported that Lewandowski’s wife has already visited the American city to get a feel for it and see if she can see the family building a life there.

MLS a strong possibility for Lewandowski in a World Cup year

MLS has long been touted as a strong possibility for Lewandowski, with various franchises interested in capitalising on the upcoming World Cup to boost their profile. Signing a player with 13 goals in 28 appearances for Barcelona this season would undoubtedly be viewed as a coup.

While Chicago would not be the only side interested in adding the 37-year-old to their roster, it is believed they have already spoken to his agent and outlined their plans for him. Crucially, the Fire also hold Lewandowski’s discovery rights, giving them an advantage over other MLS teams.

Chicago are reported to have already made an initial offer of a lucrative two-year contract and a project to make Lewandowski the face of the franchise. They have been keen to add some serious star power to their organisation for some time now, with Bastian Schweinsteiger having retired in 2019.

Chicago are making ambitious plans in the transfer market. As well as Lewandowski on their radar, they have also been monitoring Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva who is available on a free transfer in the summer.

Lewandowski won’t be short of options

Lewandowski won’t be rushing into any decisions, however, and he knows he will have plenty of offers to consider. His intention is to wait until after Barcelona’s presidential elections next month and then consider what the right move is for him and his family.

Staying in Spain could be an option, with Atlético Madrid interested in inviting him to follow in the footsteps of David Villa, Luís Suárez and Memphis Depay in making the switch from Barcelona. Elsewhere, Milan, Fenerbahçe and clubs in Saudi Arabia are reportedly keen.