Chicago Fire has officially finalized a two-year contract with forward Robert Lewandowski, following his four-year tenure at FC Barcelona.
The club aims to immediately challenge for Major League Soccer trophies.
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The 37-year-old Polish striker was secured through a deal entirely funded by owner Joe Mansueto, without external corporate financial partnerships or the yielding of company shares.
The acquisition has driven significant fan engagement, with supporters purchasing Lewandowski shirts at the club shop for $200 despite the high cost.
Massive Signing for the Franchise
"The kids learn about the club's history, and now it will be even more publicized through Robert Lewandowski's contract," said Paweł Szynalik, Chief Financial Officer of Chicago Fire.
Szynalik noted that Mansueto previously spent $65 million to relocate the team to Soldier Field and is privately funding a new $750 million stadium scheduled to open in 2028.
The transfer represents the most significant signing for the franchise since securing Bastian Schweinsteiger, appealing heavily to the massive Polish community residing within Chicago.
"Everything was heading in this direction for several weeks, especially after his visit. He came to Chicago and it seemed the stay was successful.
When he returned to Europe, there was no news that he was choosing another club or that Chicago had messed up," said journalist Joe Chatz in an interview with Przegląd Sportowy Onet.
Chatz added that local expectations have shifted toward winning titles immediately, including the MLS playoffs, the Leagues Cup, or the Supporters' Shield.
