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MLS·ANALYSIS·July 19, 2026 10:02 PM ET

Hugo Cuypers explains giving No. 9 to Robert Lewandowski

The MLS scoring leader is finalizing a move to Monterrey.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 201 min read
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The Chicago Fire signed Robert Lewandowski this summer. Cuypers gave him the No. 9 shirt, too. "Robert is one of the gr Via @tombogert on X

What happened: Hugo Cuypers said his decision to give the No. 9 shirt to Robert Lewandowski was an easy one following the striker's arrival at the Chicago Fire. Cuypers noted that it would not look right for one of the greatest players at the position to wear a different number.

Why it matters: The Fire recently agreed to a transfer that could reach up to $8 million for the MLS scoring leader. The move to Liga MX ends his tenure in Chicago shortly after the high-profile number change.

What to watch: Monterrey will pay a reported $7.5 million base fee plus $500,000 in add-ons to finalize the addition.

Sources

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