Switzerland national team star Xherdan Shaqiri joined Chicago Fire FC on Wednesday.
Shaqiri will serve as Chicago’s designated player, with a contract set to run through 2024. The Fire reportedly paid $7.5 million to Ligue 1’s Lyon in order to land Shaqiri.
“We're extremely pleased to formally welcome Xherdan Shaqiri to the Fire,” Chicago sporting director Georg Heitz said in a statement, per ESPN. “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.