Full Breakdown
Chicago Fire Pursues German Stars Leon Goretzka and Robert Lewandowski for MLS
6/13/2026, 4:59:51 AM
Targeted Signings Overview
Chicago Fire are negotiating with two German internationals—midfielder Leon Goretzka, who will become a free agent after his Bayern Munich contract ends in June, and striker Robert Lewandowski, the 37-year-old Polish forward whose contract with FC Barcelona expires at season’s end. Sources say the club sees both players as a “second major signing” after a long-standing interest in Lewandowski.
Player Profiles and Recent Achievements
Goretzka spent 12 seasons at Bayern, winning seven Bundesliga titles, the 2020 Champions League, and making 312 appearances (48 this season). He has 70 caps for Germany and is on the World Cup squad. Lewandowski has scored over 500 club and international goals, including a 41-goal Bundesliga season in 2020-21, two European Golden Shoes, two FIFA Men’s Best Player awards, and 109 Champions League goals (third all-time).
Timeline of Negotiations
Negotiations began in early 2024–2025 when agent Pini Zahavi opened talks for Lewandowski. In January 2025, head coach Gregg Berhalter publicly confirmed interest. Lewandowski’s wife Anna visited Chicago in winter 2025 for club meetings. Barcelona announced his free-transfer status in May 2025. He arrived in early June 2025, greeted by highway billboards and a scheduled “special fan moment.” Goretzka’s Bayern contract expired in mid-June 2025, prompting intensified pursuit amid European interest.
Roster, Financial Mechanics, and Official Statements
MLS limits clubs to three Designated Player (DP) slots. Signing Lewandowski would fill one, leaving no open DP for Goretzka. The Fire could follow precedents such as LA Galaxy’s back-loaded deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Inter Miami’s contracts for Jordi Alba, Rodrigo de Paul and Casemiro to accommodate multiple DPs. Head coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed the pursuit and said Lewandowski would pair well with MLS Golden Boot leader Hugo Cuypers, while the club could allocate the three DP slots to Lewandowski, French winger Jonathan Bamba and Cuypers.
Fan Engagement in Chicago
Highway billboards from O’Hare to downtown Chicago display welcome messages for Lewandowski. Emails obtained by MIR97 Media invite supporters to a “special fan moment” at Recess in the West Loop during the club’s World Cup watch parties.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources vary on the reliability of contract details and the exact financial package the Fire can present. While some reports stress strong competition from European clubs for Goretzka, no concrete offers have been disclosed. The club has not confirmed a timeline for finalizing any agreements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “no secret” — Gregg Berhalter, Head Coach & Director of Football, Chicago Fire
- “special fan moment” — phrase used in Fire communications to fans (email excerpt)
Outlook and Next Steps
Lewandowski’s talks in Chicago are expected to finish before the MLS preseason, while Goretzka’s free-agent status will be reassessed after his Bayern exit. Securing both players depends on navigating DP limits and presenting a package that leverages Chicago’s large Polish community and the club’s market growth.
