The Offseason So Far: Chicago went from worst to really good last year (at least until the postseason), and so it makes sense that they're bringing back the majority of that group. That'll include Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was great in his 2000 minutes and will almost certainly be back next year. Whispers I've heard say it's just about a done deal.
While the core is going to stay intact, there have been some notable departures as well. Juninho, Joao Meira and John Goossens clear out a ton of room, so expect at least one high-profile signing.
Grant Lillard playing for Indiana University | Courtesy of IU Athletics
But also expect this team to do real work going after their own. Towering, athletic center back Grant Lillard was awesome for Indiana this year, and he's a Fire Homegrown. Left back Andrew Gutman was somewhere above "very good" for the Hoosiers, and he's a Fire Homegrown. According to reports they expect to sign both; Lillard could be a starter, and Gutman should slot in naturally as Brandon Vincent's backup.
The real gem of the Fire Academy, though, is probably Cam Lindley, who was probably the best midfielder in college ball this year as sophomore for North Carolina. He's not a pure, goalscoring No. 10, but is more of a recessed playmaker whose defining feature is his passing vision. If they're able to sign him (he has, and has had European interest for years), he should be able to slot in nicely in front of Schweinsteiger and McCarty.
Also: keep an eye on David Accam. I think he'll be back, but am not going to bet my life on it.
Stay tuned.
JAN. 2 UPDATE: Nada. Feel free to read about San Iker's conversation with David Villa, though.
JAN. 24 UPDATE: Ok so, we're all waiting for it now, right? Chicago made noise at the SuperDraft by picking up forward Jon Bakero and d-mid Mo Adams, and then made BIG LOUD NOISE by trading Accam away to Philly for $1.2 million in total xAM.
They are loaded up with assets, and it is liquid. Big moves are incoming.
Where will those moves be? My guess is that "goalscoring winger" is first on the list, and like everyone else in MLS that probably means Chicago's front office will be turning their gaze toward South America. On-boarding Bakero and Adams while showing Accam out means that's the No. 1 need for this Fire team.
Did I just put a lot of faith in Bakero's ability to perform at the MLS level from Day 1? Yes, I really did. He was the clear best player in the draft, and fell to No. 5 only because 1) most teams spend buckets of cash on the playmaker role, and 2) he requires an international slot.
Doesn't matter. Kid can ball:
From @WakeMSoccer to the Windy City. Here's what @jonbakero7 brings to the @ChicagoFire. https://t.co/LnWb5PsyuA
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2018
Also: They traded Lindley! He was never on the team in the first place, so they shipped his Homegrown rights to Orlando City for right back Rafael Ramos and some allocation cash. That feels like a good move for both teams.
