TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Mutually part ways
Chicago Fire FC have mutually parted ways with midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, the club announced Wednesday.
The Swiss international joined Chicago in February 2022 from Ligue 1 side Lyon, arriving for reportedly $7.5 million (formerly a club-record fee). The 32-year-old was a Designated Player.
Shaqiri exits Chicago with 14 goals and 18 assists in 69 regular-season matches.
"After discussions with Xherdan, we have mutually agreed that parting ways is in the best interest of all parties," sporting director Georg Heitz said in a release. "We thank him for his contributions to the club and wish him success in the next chapter of his career."
During the 2022 season, Shaqiri had a team-leading 18 goal contributions. However, the attacker's box-score numbers slipped over the past two years.
Shaqiri last appeared for Chicago on May 18. This summer, he became the first active MLS player to score at the UEFA European Championship.
"I believe this is the right time for me to explore new opportunities in my career," the former Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Liverpool star said in a release.
"I want to thank the club and the fans for their support during my time in Chicago. I wish the Fire nothing but success moving forward."
Chicago's remaining DPs are striker Hugo Cuypers (club-record signing) and midfielder Gastón Giménez. But with Heitz departing after 2024, and Shaqiri out the door, the club's roster could go in a new direction for 2025.
Currently, Chicago are 14th in the Eastern Conference and at risk of missing the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. They last made the postseason in 2017.
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