'It's not feasible!' MLS boss rules out move for Lewandowski

Stuart Telford

• 28 Jan 2024 12:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Chicago Fire head coach Frank Klopas has ruled out a move for Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.

Lewandowski has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer, with Los Angeles Galaxy and Chicago Fire reportedly at the front of the queue for the Pole's services.

The striker bagged 23 goals as Barcelona won La Liga last season - his first after joining from Bayern Munich - but he has only managed eight in the current campaign with the club floundering in third.

With Xavi announcing his departure from the club on Saturday following a 5-3 loss to Vilarreal - in which Lewandowski drew another blank - and the striker's long-term successor already signed in Vitor Roque, the chances of a departure have increased.

Allied to that is the fact Barca remain more than €1 billion in debt, and cashing in on an ageing player still valued at €33.3 million by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm could be wise.

Klopas: 'I don’t think he'll be coming'

But Chicago boss Klopas has poured cold water on the speculation.

"It's not feasible," the former USMNT striker said. "Every team [in MLS] would want Lewandowski to come. But unfortunately, he has two years left in his contract.

"Barcelona paid over 50 million to get him, so I don't think it's a player that's going to be coming into MLS, especially right now."

The MOLS and in particular David Beckham's Inter Miami have been able to attract top European talent, and fellow former Barca stars in recent times, but each of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez have arrived on frees.

While Barcelona might be pleased to get Lewandowski's salary off their wage bill - he earns the second-most at the club behind Frenkie de Jong on €26m a year - allowing him to leave on a free would make little financial sense.