Fresh off a stint with Poland in the recent European championships, attacker Przemyslaw Frankowski was playing some of his best soccer with the Fire.
That form will likely continue elsewhere.
Per multiple sources, the Fire are in negotiations to transfer Frankowski to RC Lens in France’s Ligue 1. Though it’s not a done deal, both clubs are working through a few final details but the structure of the agreement is in place, and the transaction is very likely to be finalized before the Aug. 31 European deadline.
Signed in 2019 for around $1.65 million (per Transfermarkt) from Polish team Jagiellonia Bialystok, the transfer fee would be double what the Fire paid for Frankowski, whose contract expires after the 2022 MLS season. RC Lens finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season.
The sale, while it would hurt the 2021 Fire, gives them a chance to get something for the speedy 26-year-old. It also can be used as a good selling point for the Fire, who can show that players can join the team, develop and move to a top-five league in the world.
Now in his third season with the Fire, Frankowski’s calling card has been his pace, which has stretched opposing defenses and provided scoring opportunities. The final product, whether it has been a shot or pass, has needed some work.
But recently, Frankowski’s touch has improved, as shown by his header goal Sunday against Philadelphia and the smooth finish in the July 3 victory against Atlanta. However, during a recent interview before the pending transfer became known, Frankowski said he isn’t done improving that part of his game. He said he was staying extra after training sessions to keep sharpening those skills, and that involves constant hard work.
Frankowski had been especially good since playing with Poland, scoring those two goals and adding two assists following the Euros.
“It’s a huge boost, definitely [to play with the national team],” Frankowski told the Sun-Times via a translator. “You gain experience. You play in new situations. You really grow.”
Clearly, Frankowski was looking like a player who believes in himself and expects good things to happen when he steps onto the field. And that’s at least partly connected to playing for his national team in one of the world’s most competitive and prestigious tournaments, in which he appeared in three games for a total of 83 minutes and contributed an assist.
“Self-confidence is something that goes up a lot,” Frankowski said. “Really, when I get back to my club, I’m self-confident and that immediately transfers to playing better because someone who is confident obviously plays better.”
Without Frankowski, the Fire could give more opportunities to Stanislav Ivanov, 22, who has missed most of the season with a knee injury but made his debut on July 21. Homegrown player Brian Gutierrez could also see more minutes.
NOTE: The Fire’s appeal against the red card handed Sunday to defender Wyatt Omsberg was denied, meaning Omsberg was suspended for Wednesday’s match.
