In a surprising turn of events, Xherdan Shaqiri and the Chicago Fire have come to a mutual agreement to part ways, effectively terminating the Switzerland international’s contract with the MLS club. Shaqiri, who is 32 years old, originally joined the Fire as a Designated Player after making the move from French side Lyon in February 2022. It was expected that his contract with Chicago would run until the end of the 2024 season.
Fire’s sporting director, Georg Heitz, voiced the decision, stating, “After discussions with Xherdan, we have mutually agreed that parting ways is in the best interest of all parties. We thank him for his contributions to the club and wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”
Upon his arrival at the Fire, the MLS Players’ Association revealed that Shaqiri held the title for the league’s highest guaranteed compensation at an impressive $8.15 million, with a base salary of $7.35 million for the 2022 season. However, for the 2024 season, he was ranked behind notable players such as Lionel Messi, Lorenzo Insigne, and Sergio Busquets.
Shaqiri himself expressed his thoughts on the departure, saying, “I believe this is the right time for me to explore new opportunities in my career. 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.”
During his stint at the Fire, Shaqiri managed to represent Switzerland twice at the European Championship. He made history by becoming the first MLS player to score at the tournament with his goal against Scotland in the group stage. Following Switzerland’s elimination in the round of 16, Shaqiri announced his retirement from international duty. Prior to the Euros, he netted two goals in 12 appearances for the Fire.
The news of Shaqiri’s departure from the Fire comes just before the MLS transfer deadline on August 14. Notably, Shaqiri has had stints with renowned clubs such as Inter Milan, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Stoke City throughout his career, showcasing his experience and talent in various leagues.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Shaqiri as he embarks on a new chapter in his career. With his vast experience and proven abilities, the Swiss international will undoubtedly be a player to watch out for in the upcoming seasons.
(Photo Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
