The end of an era at FC Barcelona is drawing near. The Chicago Fire have made a formal two-year contract offer to Robert Lewandowski, according to Sport, bringing the Polish striker's long-anticipated MLS move significantly closer to reality.
Lewandowski, who turns 38 in August, has been one of Barcelona's most important players since his arrival from Bayern Munich in 2022 — scoring 115 goals in 179 appearances and forming the focal point of two La Liga title-winning teams. But his form has declined sharply since January, combining with Ferran Torres for just two goals between them since the start of February.
Fire owner Joe Mansueto met with Lewandowski's agent Pini Zahavi in London recently, and the Illinois franchise — which has been chasing a global superstar for years, having previously held talks with Neymar and Kevin de Bruyne — now have a concrete proposal on the table. The offer is described as "befitting his new role as a star player," placing him alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger as the most high-profile player in the club's history.
For Barcelona, the growing inevitability of Lewandowski's departure has accelerated their pursuit of a replacement. Julián Álvarez remains the priority target, though Atlético Madrid's asking price is expected to exceed €100 million. Omar Marmoush of Manchester City has also been identified as an alternative, while Dani Olmo's potential return to fitness could offer a short-term solution as a false nine.
Laporta has spoken publicly of wanting to offer Lewandowski a one-year extension, but the Chicago offer — and the player's own apparent interest in the project — suggests the more likely outcome is a fond farewell at the end of June.
