Source: Chicago Fire talking with Polish striker
The Chicago Fire has had talks with a Polish striker about signing with the club, according to a source.
Lukasz Gikiewicz, 27, most recently played in Bulgaria with Levski Sofia. He also is discussing a contract with Philadelphia and Orlando City in MLS, as well as Celtic in Scotland and Hull City in England, the source said.
Gikiewicz probably would command a six-figure salary but would not be a designated player in MLS.
The Fire has had success with Polish players in the past, most notably Peter Nowak, Roman Kosecki and Jerzy Podbrozny, who helped the team to the 1998 U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup championships.
More recently, Tomasz Frankowski played for the Fire. Because of Chicago's large Polish community, the Fire has looked to sign Polish players to attract fans as well as to win games.
“Many clubs are showing interest lately, including Chicago,” Gikiewicz said. “I think any Polish player would be honored to play there. Currently, I am looking for a stable move; a club that is committed to me and my future.”
Gikiewicz's agent, Valentin Macovei, agreed that Chicago would be a good choice.
“We are currently assessing options, but I think Chicago would be very good for both the club and the player,” Macovei said. “Lukasz will not only add goals and assists to the club, but also a few thousand more Polish fans to fill up Toyota Park. When the club was founded they had a few Polish players, why shouldn't they continue by following their tradition?”
The summer transfer window opens Wednesday.
The Fire also could be on the lookout for a new central defender.
Captain Jeff Larentowicz will be out for a while after results from a MRI exam Tuesday confirmed a herniated disc in his neck. There is no timetable for his return, and season-ending surgery is a possibility for Larentowicz, 31.
To fill out the squad the Fire recalled left back Patrick Doody from his loan to Saint Louis FC of the third-division USL. Doody attended high school at Neuqua Valley in Naperville.
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