Lewandowski makes way for Alvarez: Barcelona striker's next move revealed

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 21 Jan 2026 19:48 GMT
  • 4 min read
Robert Lewandowksi, Anna Lewandowski, Barcelona, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is increasingly likely to end up in Major League Soccer this summer.

Article continues under the video

The Poland international is expected to leave Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer. Lewandowski's contract is due to expire, and the Catalans will not offer the veteran an extension.

Although he has scored 10 goals this season, the 37-year-old has seen his influence wane, which is somewhat understandable given his age. However, Lewandowski is not yet thinking about retirement.

Current ETV
Player image Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski

F (C)

Barcelona logo

Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski

F (C)

Barcelona

Barcelona

€9.3M

ETV Range

€7.9M - €10.7M

He wants to keep playing beyond this season. Having repeatedly turned down moves to the Saudi Pro League, Lewandowski's most likely destination appears to be MLS.

According to Florian Plettenberg, several MLS clubs are "pushing" to sign Lewandowski. His potential options are already "very concrete," and he is intrigued by the possibility of moving to the US.

Lewandowski makes way for Alvarez

The Chicago Fire will almost certainly be among the clubs looking to sign the Pole this summer. They have a long-standing interest in him and hold his Discovery Rights, essentially giving them the option of first refusal.

In December, reports emerged that talks with the player's camp had already begun. The Fire have been trying to make a statement signing for some time. Talks with Neymar after his exit from Al-Hilal yielded no results.

Robert Lewandowski
© IMAGO - Robert Lewandowski

As things stand, the Fire would have to make some roster moves to be able to sign Lewandowski, who would almost certainly be a Designated Player (DP).

They already have two DPs and four U22 Initiative players, which means that one player would have to be shifted or have his registration status changed. With the summer still months away, this shouldn't be an issue, however.

Barcelona, for their part, will look to make a statement signing of their own to replace Lewandowski. Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez is the Blaugrana's top target, and talks have already taken place, but he is expected to be incredibly expensive.

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