The Chicago Fire have made the biggest move so far this Major League Soccer offseason by signing Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri.
Shaqiri comes over from French club Olympique Lyonnais in a deal reportedly worth $7.5 million. The Fire and Shaqiri agreed to a contract that will see the player with the club through the 2024 season. Shaqiri will occupy a Designated Player spot for the Fire. The club now has one DP spot left.
“We’re extremely pleased to formally welcome Xherdan Shaqiri to the Fire,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz. “Xherdan is a game-changing player and someone who will bring joy to our supporters and the city of Chicago. As one of the most accomplished Swiss athletes of his generation, Xherdan joins us at a very important time for the Club and fully believes in what we are aiming to accomplish.”
It should be noted that Heitz and Shaqiri have a connection dating back to their days at FC Basel. Heitz was the Sporting Director for the Swiss club from 2008-2017, while Shaqiri was a player in the Basel academy until he left for Bayern Munich in 2012.
Shaqiri is arguably the biggest name the Fire have ever signed. He has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Liverpool. He played an integral role in ending Liverpool’s 30-year title drought in 2020.
Shaqiri also brings a winning pedigree. He has won 13 major trophies during his club career, including Premier League, Swiss Super League, German Bundesliga (3x), and Champions League (2x) titles.
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Featured Photo: Bleacher Report
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