TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade
The Chicago Fire and Montreal Impact have completed a transfer deadline day trade, as the Fire have acquired midfielder Micheal Azira, a 2020 second-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft, and the Impact's slot in the MLS allocation order and in exchange for defender Jorge Corrales and the Fire's slot in the allocation order.
Azira, 31, will be joining his fourth MLS club, after playing for the Seattle Sounders (2014-15), Colorado Rapids (2016-18) and the Impact (2018-19). The Ugandan international has garnered a reputation as a tough-tackling defensive midfielder who works hard for his side, making 120 regular-season appearances in his MLS career, scoring one goal and four assists. This season, he's made 19 appearances in league action for the Impact.
Corrales, 28, is a former Cuban international who was signed by the Fire in late 2017 after playing in the USL for the Tulsa Roughnecks. The rugged and industrious fullback made 32 appearances across two seasons for Chicago, including 15 so far this season in league play.
“While it is difficult to part with Jorge, who has defended the club’s honor with all his might, acquiring Micheal provides us with more balance and options as we make our push for the playoffs,” said Fire president and general manager Nelson Rodriguez in a team statement.
The Impact are then used the allocation order spot to re-acquire academy product Ballou Tabla on loan from Barcelona B.
