TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Chicago Fire FC have acquired 17-year-old Colombian forward Jhon Jader Duran from Envigado FC the club announced Monday. The move will be effective for the 2022 season, after Duran turns 18. He will remain with Envigado this year.
Duran is the youngest international signing in MLS history.
“Jhon is a very special and highly rated young talent, who will be an excellent addition to our club,” sporting director Georg Heitz said in a club statement. “We’re extremely excited that Jhon has decided to take the next step in his career with the Chicago Fire, as he received interest from numerous clubs from around the world. His signing is a testament to our ownership’s vision to become a top destination for talented young players."
Duran has already made 24 appearances (10 starts) despite only turning 17 in December. He is a Colombian youth international and was recognized by The Guardian as one of the world's top 60 talents born in 2003, alongside D.C. United's Moses Nyeman.
In 2019, Duran became the second-youngest goal scorer in the history of the Colombian first division at just 15-years-old, 263 days.
Duran is Chicago's third signing of the winter, all of which 21 or younger: Forward Chinonso Offor (20), defender Jhon Espinoza (21) and winger Stanislav Ivanov (21).
