Xherdan Shaqiri and the Chicago Fire have mutually agreed to terminate the Switzerland international’s contract.
Shaqiri, 32, joined the Fire as a Designated Player from French side Lyon in February 2022. His contract in Chicago was due to expire at the end of the 2024 season.
“After discussions with Xherdan, we have mutually agreed that parting ways is in the best interest of all parties,” said Fire sporting director Georg Heitz. “We thank him for his contributions to the club and wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”
Shortly after he joined the Fire, the MLS Players’ Association announced Shaqiri had the league’s highest guaranteed compensation at $8.15million and the highest base salary at $7.35m for the 2022 season. For the 2024 season, he was behind Lionel Messi, Lorenzo Insigne and Sergio Busquets.
GO DEEPER
MLS player association releases 2024 list of salaries
Shaqiri played 75 times for the Fire across all competitions, registering 16 goals and 20 assists. The Swiss had been named Fire captain ahead of the 2024 campaign.
“I believe this is the right time for me to explore new opportunities in my career,” Shaqiri added. “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 featured twice for Switzerland at the European Championship and became the first MLS player to score at the tournament with his group-stage goal against Scotland. He announced his retirement from international duty following Switzerland’s exit in the round of 16. Before the Euros, Shaqiri scored twice in 12 appearances for the Fire.
Shaqiri’s Fire departure comes shortly before the MLS’ transfer deadline on August 14. His previous clubs include Inter Milan, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Stoke City.
GO DEEPER
Which U.S. players could be heading home before the MLS transfer window closes?
(Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
