Fire add two as transfer window closes

CHICAGO, IL– Chicago Fire FC were busy as the transfer window closed on Tuesday adding a midfielder and a defender (while reports have another defender heading somewhere else). First, the Fire added Georgian midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili from Romanian Liga 1 side Universitatea Craiova via transfer. Mekvabishvili, 25, will occupy an international slot on the Fire’s roster, pending completion of a medical and receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). His contract with the Fire will run through the 2028-29 season, with a Club option for the 2029-30 season.

Mekvabishvili joins the Fire with more than 230 appearances across various competitions in Europe and four championship titles. The Georgian international is accustomed to playing in meaningful and competitive matches and was crowned 2025-26 Romanian champion, 2025-26 Romanian Cup champion and 2026-27 Romanian Super Cup winner with Universitatea Craiova. He also won the 2020-21 Georgian SuperCup with Dinamo Tbilisi. He also has 33 caps for the Georgian National Team.

“We’re excited to add a player of Anzor’s pedigree to the Club,” said Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “He is a proven competitor whose experience at both the international level and in European competition will be a valuable asset to our group. Being recognized as Player of the Year on a championship-winning team speaks to the consistency, leadership and impact he brings. We believe he will play an important role in strengthening our midfield and raising the level of the squad.”

Later, the Fire added Norwegian defender Andres Hanche-Olsen from German Bundesliga club Mainz 05 via transfer. Hanche-Olsen, 29, will occupy an international slot on the Fire’s roster, pending completion of a medical and receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). His contract with the Fire will run through the 2030-31 season.

Hanche-Olsen has appeared in over 300 matches across professional leagues in Norway, Belgium and Germany, scoring 12 goals and registering 10 assists as a defender. He began his professional career in the youth system of Norwegian club Staebek before climbing the ranks to the first team in 2020. From Staebek, Hanche-Olsen moved to Belgian Jupiler League club KAA Gent where he played in 107 matches and scored two goals, winning the 2022 Belgian Cup. With Gent, he played in Belgium’s top flight, as well as the Croky Cup, Europa League Qualifying, the Volkswagen Supercup, the UEFA Conference League.

From Gent, he made the transition from the Jupiler League to the German Bundesliga for the 2022-23 season, appearing in 77 matches across all competitions for the German side, as well as scoring three goals and registering four assists as a defender. Hanche-Olsen has also earned 22 caps for Norway.

“Andreas brings extensive experience at both the international level and across European competitions, including several seasons in a top five league,” said Berhalter. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the leadership, professionalism and competitive mentality that are important to building a successful team. We believe those qualities, combined with his experience on the field, will make him a valuable addition to our group.”

Meanwhile, Tom Bogert of The Athletic is reporting that Portland Timbers are finalizing a deal to bring Fire defender Joel Waterman to the Rose City.Waterman joined the Fire from CF Montreal last summer. Waterman made 29 appearances for the club after making 158 appearances for Montreal. He also has 17 caps for Canada and was part of the squad at the World Cup, but didn’t make an appearance.

Bogert also reports that another Fire defender, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, will return from his thigh injury before season’s end.