Lewandowski's MLS Move: Which Four Clubs Are Leading the Chase for the Goal Machine?
While the 2025–26 European campaign may still be far from its climactic finale, prolific goalscorer Robert Lewandowski appears doubtful to continue with Barcelona and possesses "highly concrete" opportunities in Major League Soccer, as reported by Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg.
The 37-year-old Polish forward has been persistently linked with an MLS transfer, and this transition could materialize as early as the upcoming winter window, or potentially during the summer transfer period following the expiration of his deal with the reigning Spanish titleholders.
Boasting 621 strikes across 846 professional appearances, primarily with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Lewandowski would represent a marquee acquisition for any MLS franchise seeking firepower up front.
In this analysis, Sports Illustrated examines three clubs—plus an unexpected candidate—that might compete for the elite striker's signature.
Wild Card - Vancouver Whitecaps
Wild Card - Vancouver Whitecaps
As 2025 MLS Cup finalists, Vancouver Whitecaps currently feature 29-year-old USMNT striker Brian White as their primary forward. Nevertheless, they have demonstrated championship ambitions and might entice a talent like Lewandowski to bolster their attacking options, while potentially reuniting him with former Bayern colleague Thomas Müller.
3. Sporting Kansas City
3. Sporting Kansas City
Not long ago, Sporting Kansas City presented a massive proposal to Cristiano Ronaldo, prior to his move to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr in 2022. Subsequently, their fortunes declined, missing MLS Cup playoff qualification in two of the past three seasons and finishing bottom of the Western Conference in 2025.
The organization released 12 players during the offseason and dismissed longtime head coach Peter Vermes during the 2025 season. These transformations provide a fresh foundation for incoming manager Raphaël Wicky and new sporting director David Lee, who contributed to constructing New York City FC's 2021 MLS Cup championship team.
Beyond these soccer operations changes, the most substantial transformation occurred in ownership, with Peter Mallouk acquiring majority control from the Illig family for $700 million. Following this acquisition, he emphasized his commitment to doing "whatever it takes" to restore Sporting KC to MLS elite status and promised a "significant financial investment."
What superior method to launch a new chapter than securing a world-class designated player striker? While Lewandowski may not be Ronaldo, Sporting maintains an available DP slot and could deploy a dual-striker formation alongside Dejan Joveljić, obtained last winter from LA Galaxy.