Leon Goretzka unlikely to join Lewandowski at Chicago Fire

Robert Lewandowski’s first appearance for Chicago Fire has already prompted discussion about what the MLS side still needs around him. One name linked with the club is Leon Goretzka, a familiar figure from Lewandowski’s time at Bayern Munich, but the prospect of that move appears remote.

Lewandowski’s start in Chicago

Lewandowski played until the 62nd minute in his debut as Chicago Fire were beaten 3-2 by Inter Miami. He did not score, although he was indirectly involved in the goalkeeping error that led to Chicago’s moment in the 18th minute.

The early impression is that the Poland striker will need time to adapt: to the team’s structure, to his new team-mates and to the particular demands of MLS. That was also the view offered by Janusz Michalik, who urged patience after the first outing and argued that both the team and the striker should improve with more games together.

Michalik said Chicago had shown encouraging form before the World Cup and suggested Lewandowski’s presence should raise the level of those around him. It is a measured assessment, especially given the obvious gap between MLS and La Liga, and between Chicago Fire and the level Lewandowski had been used to previously.

Chicago Fire lose an important attacker

Any settling-in period for Lewandowski is made more complicated by a significant departure. After the Pole’s arrival, Belgian forward Hugo Cuypers left Chicago Fire and will continue his career in Mexico with Monterrey.

That exit only sharpens the focus on whether Chicago can add more quality around their new striker. In his debut against Inter Miami, Lewandowski could already see that the supporting cast is different from the one he had known at Europe’s biggest clubs.

Why Goretzka is not the obvious answer

Goretzka has been mentioned as a possible target for Chicago Fire, but the signs point elsewhere. Since the start of July, the German midfielder has been without a club after the end of his Bayern Munich contract.

His preference, according to the source material, is to remain in Europe and continue playing in the Champions League. If that does not happen, he is expected to seek a very lucrative deal.

That context makes a move to MLS look difficult. Following unsuccessful talks with Milan, Juventus have also been made aware of the scale of Goretzka’s demands. Calciomercato.com reports that the midfielder is seeking a salary of 7 million euros net per year, plus a 10 million euro signing bonus.

Juventus interest underlines European priority

Those terms are said to be beyond Juventus’ current reach, although that could change if the Italian club were to sell Khephren Thuram to Paris Saint-Germain. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Goretzka is the leading midfield option for Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti.

For Chicago Fire, that is the clearest indication yet that any hope of pairing Lewandowski with another former Bayern team-mate remains slim. The club may still need reinforcements, particularly after Cuypers’ departure, but Goretzka appears focused on staying in Europe and, ideally, on competing in the Champions League.