Chicago Fire FC has signed Xherdan Shaqiri from French Ligue 1 side Lyon in the club’s most expensive transfer. The MLS side announced that the Swiss midfielder would be joining the team, dubbing him the ‘Alpine Lake Michigan Messi‘. 

Shaqiri will be joining as a Designated Player and his contract extends through the 2024 season. Reportedly the MLS club paid $7.5 million to get the former Bayern Munich star, whose other stints have been at top clubs like Inter Milan and Liverpool.

Also Read | Maryland midfielder Ben Bender taken with top pick in MLS draft

Georg Heitz, the sporting director of Chicago Fire FC released a statement, saying, “We’re extremely pleased to formally welcome Xherdan Shaqiri to the Fire. Xherdan is a game-changing player and someone who will bring joy to our supporters and the city of Chicago. As one of the most accomplished Swiss athletes of his generation, Xherdan joins us at a very important time for the club and fully believes in what we are aiming to accomplish. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to Chicago very soon”. 

Also Read | Lorenzo Insigne moves to MLS, joins Toronto FC as free agent

Shaqiri, who will don the No 10 jersey at his new club, has won 17 major trophies in the course of his professional career, which includes 100 caps with Switzerland. He’s also won the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup with Bayern and Liverpool respectively. 

He started his career with FC Basel, where Heitz was the sporting director from 2009 to 2017. Shaqiri has also played alongside former Chicago star Bastian Schweinsteiger, during his time at Bayern. 

Also Read | West Ham’s Kurt Zouma loses Adidas deal for abusing pet cat

Shaqiri will be expected to play a central role as Chicago FC enter their first year under the guidance of Ezra Hendrickson as head coach. He holds the Designated Player position in the squad alongside Paraguay’s midfielder Gaston Gimenez. With Chicago Fire FC having missed four of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, the club seeks a return to glory as a new era starts. Accordingly, Joe Mansueto, the owner and chairman, is investing in the squad.