Fire Part Ways with Shaqiri

CHICAGO, IL–Chicago Fire FC and midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri have agreed to terminate the Swiss international’s contract with immediate effect. This makes Shaqiri a free agent and opens up a Designated Player slot for the Fire.

“After discussions with Xherdan, we have mutually agreed that parting ways is in the best interest of all parties,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz. “We thank him for his contributions to the Club and wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”

Shaqiri, 32, originally joined the Fire as a Designated Player on Feb. 9, 2022, via transfer from Olympique Lyonnais (Ligue 1, France). The Swiss international appeared in 75 matches (63 starts) for the Fire across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and registering 20 assists.

“I believe this is the right time for me to explore new opportunities in my career,” said Shaqiri. “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.

Shaqiri last played for the Fire on May 18th before being allowed to leave for the Swiss National Team in preparation for Euro 2024.

Shaqiri struggled to live up to the $8 million dollar year price tag which made him the fourth-highest paid player in MLS as of this Spring. Of those 16 goals, just six came from the run of play and two of them were in last season’s match at home against Inter Miami. Fairly or unfairly, Shaqiri joins a long list of Fire designated players who in the end were huge disappointments as they failed to get the Fire to the playoffs, let alone make them a championship contender.

Indeed, Shaqiri’s performances for Switzerland often were better than with the Fire. Meanwhile, more often than not, the Fire would play better without Shaqiri in the lineup.

The announcement came with 12 hours remaining in the transfer window, so there will be little time for the Fire to make additions, but with Heitz departing at season’s end, the makeup of the soccer operations in the buildup for the 2025 season will look significantly different.

It is up to owner Joe Mansueto to get the right person in place as far as sporting director goes–preferably someone who knows how to win in Major League Soccer. That sporting director can then hire the right coach and and hire the right players to get the Fire from Point B to Point C after being stuck between A and B for too many years.