Robert Lewandowski Set to Boost Chicago Fire After Barcelona Exit
Robert Lewandowski has joined Chicago Fire on a 2 year deal after leaving Barcelona, where he scored 119 goals in 192 matches and won 3 La Liga titles. The 37 year old hopes to compete for trophies in MLS.
Poland’s record appearance holder with 167 caps and 89 goals, he could debut against Vancouver Whitecaps as Chicago sits third in the Eastern Conference.
As the Chicago Fire prepare to resume their Major League Soccer campaign after the World Cup break, the club has received a major boost with the arrival of Robert Lewandowski. The 37 year old striker has signed a two year contract after leaving Barcelona at the end of his deal in May, choosing to continue his career outside Europe for the first time. Lewandowski leaves Spain after an outstanding spell with Barcelona, where he scored 119 goals in 192 appearances.
During four seasons at the club, he helped win 3 La Liga titles, including the most recent championship, along with 1 Copa del Rey trophy. Internationally, he remains Poland's most capped player with a record 167 appearances and is the country's all time leading scorer with 89 goals. The veteran forward joins Chicago as a designated player, allowing the club to sign him outside the league's salary cap rules.
Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter described the transfer as a huge moment for the club, believing Lewandowski's experience and winning mentality can help the team challenge for trophies. Chicago currently sit third in the Eastern Conference and could hand Lewandowski his debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps. He is also expected to form a strike partnership with league leading scorer Hugo Cuypers, who has netted 13 goals this season.