Barcelona face unexpected Robert Lewandowski twist

Instead of joining the Chicago Fire in MLS, Robert Lewandowski could strengthen one of Barcelona‘s direct rivals this summer.

The Poland international is widely expected to leave the Catalans this summer when his contract expires. Although there have been tentative rumours that he could be handed an extension on reduced terms, this has yet to be substantiated.

His wife, Ana Lewandowska, recently hinted that this will be the 37-year-old’s final season at Barcelona. However, despite his age, the striker is not yet thinking about retirement.

While his influence has waned this season, Lewandowski has still been a valuable player for Hansi Flick, scoring goals and mentoring the club’s youngsters. Arguably the best out-and-out No.9 of the past 15 years, Lewandowski still has a sparkling reputation in Europe.

As a result, he also has European suitors. According to Tuttomercatoweb, the likes of Atletico Madrid and AC Milan are interested in signing Lewandowski on a free transfer this summer. Fenerbahce are also associated with a move.

Lewandowski to snub Chicago?

This could be bad news for the Chicago Fire, who have been widely tipped to become Lewandowski’s next destination after leaving Barcelona. The Illinois franchise have been chasing a deal for the Pole for years.

Recent reports have suggested that significant progress has been made on his potential signing. The Fire have offered Lewandowski a lucrative two-year contract, and his wife already visited Chicago in November amid rumours that she had begun house-hunting.

The Midwest metropolis has the largest Polish community in the US, while the Fire have previously had numerous Polish internationals and dual nationals on their books.

Lewandowski would be the biggest name to join the Major League Soccer franchise since Bastian Schweinsteiger in 2017. The Fire have been trying to sign a global superstar since Xherdan Shaqiri left in the summer of 2024.

Neymar, Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah have all turned down a move to the club over the past 12 or so months. A snub from Lewandowski, though, would sting even more because this is the best shot the Fire have ever had at signing him.

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