In true Major League Baseball (MLB) offseason style, MLS is also experiencing the phenomenon of rumors about possible trades before the end of the year. The hot soccer market is focused on Inter Miami, the current champion and the team with the greatest international projection outside the United States. The player who is the talk of the town for these reasons is Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish striker's contract with Barcelona expires at the end of the 2025-2026 season and there would be no intention on either side to renew or extend. This situation reached the ears of Inter Miami's management and Leo Messi, who would already be in talks with the killer to "tie him up" now for 2026. But they are not the only ones.

What seemed to be a solitary ground for the pink club is another reality, as Chicago Fire has entered the bidding to acquire the services of the attacker. So serious is their interest that it seems they have put a juicy offer on the table to Lewandowski to secure him and have him as soon as he finishes his stay with the Catalan club.

In principle, Inter Miami had the upper hand in the negotiations to convince him. Messi was the key factor in provoking a positive response from the Pole, because he wants to play alongside the Argentine; however, at 37 years of age, the striker would listen to the figure from Chicago Fire which, as far as is known, would be higher than that offered by the pink club.

The playoffs and the 2026 World Cup, factors to consider for Robert Lewandowski

One of the European playoffs for the 2026 World Cup will be between Poland and Albania. Should the Poles reach the World Cup, the figure Chicago Fire offers for the striker would have to increase because the player's odds would rise.

Another possible scenario for him to demand a higher amount is the following: Poland surpassing the first round of the World Cup. If the Polish team were to reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals, Lewandowski's market value would be higher, regardless of the fact that he would be 38 years old when he arrives in MLS.That issue would slow Chicago Fire from signing him. That is why from this moment they are looking to sign him to an early contract that will not be modified because of the World Cup. Inter Miami, on the other hand, would take advantage of this situation to pay the striker what he asks for based on what happens between the playoffs and the World Cup.