Fire part ways with Gimenez

Move opens up a DP slot for the Fire. 

CHICAGO, IL–Christmas Eve is usually a slow sports day, but there’s also usually a surprise. Such was the case when Chicago Fire FC announced after 6:30pm CT that the club has agreed to a mutual termination with midfielder Gaston Gimenez after five seasons. The move opens up a Designated Player spot for the Fire, but not an international slot as Gimenez had a Green Card.

While a solid player for most of his time with the Fire, much like Xherdan Shaqiri, did not live up to the DP tag that the Fire placed on him for four of those five seasons.

Giménez, 33, originally joined the Fire as a Designated Player on Feb. 24, 2020, via transfer from Club Atlético Velez Sarsfield from the Superliga Argentina. The Argentina-born midfielder played 134 matches (112 starts) for the Fire across all competitions, scoring four goals as a midfielder and registering 11 assists. Giménez wore the captain’s armband on 15 occasions for the Fire, including 13 regular season matches and two Leagues Cup matches.

After initially playing for Argentina, Gimenez was granted a one-time change of association to play for Paraguay where he has earned nine caps.

“We thank Gastón for his contributions to the Fire and wish him and his family well for the future,” said Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “This move was made to allow Gastón to pursue a new challenge while providing the Club with greater roster flexibility as we look to strengthen the squad for the 2025 season.”