Fire Cut Bait on Torres

Mutual agreement to terminate contract opens up a Designated Player spot for Fire. 

CHICAGO, IL–After failing to ship him to another club, Chicago Fire FC and midfielder Jairo Torres have come to a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. The termination opens up a Desginataed Player spot for the Fire.

“After many discussions with Jairo and the coaching staff, we all agreed that this was the best decision for the player and the Club at this time, said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz. “I’d like to thank Jairo for his contributions to the Chicago Fire and wish him all the best for the future.”

Torres, 23, came to the Fire in 2022 from Liga MX side Atlas. Torres played in 119 matches for Atlas across all competitions and helped the club capture its first Liga MX title in 70 years in 2021. However, injuries hampered his ability to make an impact and when he did get on the pitch, he never got going. In 41 appearances with the Fire in all competitions, he only registered one (secondary) assist and no goals. It is widely considered to be one of the worst signings in MLS history, let alone the Fire’s.

COMMENT:  The Fire’s record with Designated Players has been a poor one that spans nearly the entire existence of the Designated Player rule starting in 2007. While there were successes in Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Nemanja Nikolic; there have been far more duds. Bastian Schweinsteiger started out well, but was used more as a center back in two of his three seasons in Chicago. Xherdan Shaqiri has put in okay numbers, but okay numbers are not what fans demand of the third highest paid player in MLS. It is hoped that the Fire get it right with Hugo Cuypers (as their new #9) and whomever they fill the third Designated Player spot. The Fire cannot afford to have more busts when it comes to the players Joe Mansueto is willing to spend big money on to bring the Fire back to relevance.

IN OTHER NEWS:  Chicago Fire II announced their fixture list for the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season. CF2 will open Sunday, March 17th, at FC Cincinnati II at Northern Kentucky Stadium. The home opener will be five days later at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview against Toronto FC II. The season is 28 matches in length and matches will be streams on either MLSNextpro.com or on Apple TV as part of the MLS Season Pass.