Chicago Fire FC have been active in this transfer window, making several notable signings as they prepare for the upcoming MLS season.
Under new leadership, with Gregg Berhalter as head coach and sporting director, the club aims to turn around recent struggles.
Let’s look closely at some of Chicago Fire’s key acquisitions and what fans are saying about these moves.
Rominigue Kouamé
Rominigue Kouamé/Getty images
Chicago Fire FC announced the signing of Mali international midfielder Rominigue Kouamé on loan from LaLiga2 side Cádiz CF.
The 28-year-old will stay with the Fire through the 2025 season, with the option for the club to make the move permanent.
Kouamé has played at the highest levels in France with Ligue 1 clubs like Lille and Troyes.
Jonathan Bamba
Ivory Coast international Jonathan Bamba has also joined Chicago Fire FC from La Liga’s Celta de Vigo. The 28-year-old winger signed a contract running through 2027 with an option for 2028.
According to reports, the Fire paid around $2 million to secure his services. Bamba’s experience in Europe adds to the Fire’s international presence, and fans have been discussing his potential impact on the wings.
The club sees his arrival as a significant investment, indicating their ambitions to improve their attacking options.
Philip Zinckernagel
Danish winger Philip Zinckernagel/Getty Images
Danish winger Philip Zinckernagel has completed his move to Chicago Fire FC after spending time on loan at Bodø/Glimt.
Zinckernagel, who joined from Olympiakos in 2023, now looks set to make his mark in MLS.
During his time with Bodø/Glimt, he tallied seven goals and nine assists in 44 appearances, and he will now look to add his experience to the Fire’s roster as the team seems to enhance its depth in wide areas.
Jack Elliott
Center-back Jack Elliott has signed with Chicago Fire as a free agent after a long spell with Philadelphia Union. Elliott is contracted through 2025, with an option to extend to 2026.
He brings a wealth of MLS experience to the Fire with the hope that he will help solidify the defense.
Sam Rogers
Sam Rogers/Getty Images
Finally, Chicago Fire secured the services of 25-year-old center-back Sam Rogers from the Norwegian side Lillestrøm SK.
Rogers has signed a deal through 2026, with options extending to 2028. His arrival adds to the defensive options at Berhalter’s disposal as the club looks to make improvements at the back.
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What the fans are saying
The Chicago Fire subreddit has been buzzing with reactions to the new signings. Sufficient town commented on the new leadership, saying, “It all starts with having brought in a coach and general manager in Berhalter. We have not had anyone with his resume in a decade.”
There is a sense that Berhalter’s appointment has reignited optimism among the fanbase, as he is seen as someone capable of turning around the team’s fortunes.
Another fan, Notonrexmanningday, was particularly excited about acquiring Jonathan Bamba, stating, “I think Jonathan Bamba is probably the best DP signing the Fire have made since Bastian Schweinsteiger.”
The enthusiasm surrounding Bamba reflects fans’ high expectations for the team this season. Many hope the new signings will bring fresh energy to the squad.
While the excitement is palpable, some fans remain cautious. Paloaltonstuff expressed concerns, saying, “Every year we look like we’ve improved on paper, and then reality sets in when we see them play a few matches.”
This sentiment reflects the cautious optimism shared by some fans who are eager to see how the team performs once the season begins.
Others, like Captkopp, are more confident, attributing the team’s potential success to Berhalter’s leadership: “With GGG (Gregg Berhalter), we now have a proven MLS coach who knows how to build a team with an identity and purpose.”
This renewed sense of direction, combined with the new signings, has given fans hope that the Fire can be more competitive this season.
Despite some reservations, the consensus among fans is that the off-season moves show a clear intent to improve.