After weeks of speculation, hype, and Marvel-style teasers, the Chicago Fire officially announced the signing of Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri. The $7.5 million transfer fee paid to Olympique Lyonnais makes him the most expensive player in Fire history.
Shaqiri will fill one of the club’s Designated Player slots, and is under contract through the 2024 season. After a lackluster 2021 where the Fire failed to strike fear into opponents in the final third, Chicago finally has a guy with the tools to dominate.
“We’re extremely pleased to formally welcome Xherdan Shaqiri to the Fire,” Sporting Director Georg Heitz said in a statement.