Chicago Fire FC and Gastón Giménez Part Ways

Mutual Contract Termination Opens Doors for New Opportunities

In a significant move for Chicago Fire FC, the club announced on Tuesday that it has mutually terminated the contract of midfielder Gastón Giménez. This strategic decision allows the club to free up a second Designated Player (DP) spot as they gear up for the 2025 season.

Shaping the Squad for 2025

Chicago’s current remaining DP is striker Hugo Cuypers, who was signed last winter from Belgian top-flight side Gent for a club-record transfer fee of $12 million, with an additional $2 million in potential add-ons. The club’s director of football and head coach, Gregg Berhalter, emphasized the importance of this move for future squad building.

“We thank Gastón for his contributions to the Fire and wish him and his family well for the future,” Berhalter stated. “This move was made to allow Gastón to pursue a new challenge while providing the club with greater roster flexibility as we look to strengthen the squad for the 2025 season.”

Gastón Giménez’s Tenure and Future Prospects

Giménez, a 33-year-old Paraguayan international, joined Chicago Fire FC in February 2020 from Argentine top-flight side Vélez Sarsfield. During his time with the club, he made 134 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists. He is now reportedly set to join Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño, seeking a new chapter in his career.

Reflecting on the Past Season

Last season was a challenging one for Chicago Fire FC, as they finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference (15th place with 30 points), missing the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. This performance prompted the club to appoint Berhalter, who brought his extensive experience from leading the US men’s national team in two separate stints.

As Chicago Fire FC looks ahead to the 2025 season, the termination of Giménez’s contract marks a pivotal moment in their quest to rebuild and climb the ranks of the Eastern Conference. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the club utilizes their newly available DP spot to strengthen the squad and bring renewed hope for the upcoming campaign.