The Chicago Fire is finalizing the signing of U.S. men’s national team midfielder Kellyn Acosta, sources briefed on the deal tell The Athletic.
Acosta was one of the top free agents on the market this winter. Sporting KC were among the finalists to sign Acosta. Spanish club Granada and English side Watford also had interest.
The Fire made Acosta their priority target at the beginning of free agency, with the central midfielder visiting Chicago on the first day of the signing window.
ESPN first reported the deal was being finalized.
Acosta, 28, just went to back-to-back MLS Cups with LAFC, winning the trophy in 2022. He also played a crucial role as LAFC made the CONCACAF Champions Cup final this year. He made 78 appearances in two years with LAFC. Prior to that, he helped lead the Colorado Rapids to the top spot in the Western Conference in 2021 and was a constant for FC Dallas’ Shield/Cup-winning double in 2016.
All in all, Acosta already has 252 regular-season MLS appearances and 58 caps with the USMNT. Acosta played an important role in the latest World Cup qualifying cycle, appearing in 13 games and starting six in midfield for the U.S. He was on the World Cup squad in Qatar in 2022 and played in two games: the 1-1 draw with Wales and a 1-0 win over Iran.
The Fire view Acosta as a centerpiece to their rebuild, with Frank Klopas being named head coach after spending most of 2023 as the interim.
Beyond Acosta, Chicago continues to overhaul the squad, led by club-record signing Hugo Cuypers, which went official on Tuesday.
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