Chicago Fire

Despite talks between Neymar and the MLS' Chicago Fire, it remains "unlikely" that the Brazilian star will sign a deal with the club, according to Paul Tenorio and Mario Cortegana of The Athletic.

Per that report, "Sources cautioned that MLS is not currently a priority for Neymar and his family, despite the exploratory dialogue between his camp and representatives of the Fire."

Chicago Fire have opened talks to sign Neymar from Al Hilal 🇺🇸

Sky Sports News understands the talks are at a very early stage and it would be a difficult deal to do for the MLS club 📝 pic.twitter.com/k3PNeykMLA

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 16, 2025

🚨🇺🇸 Chicago Fire have genuine interest in Neymar Jr but negotiations are not at advanced stages with player side so far.

Neymar and his camp have not given any green light to proceed with formal contract proposal yet.

Early stages of the story and nothing imminent as of now. pic.twitter.com/38ySRQ9lmT

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 16, 2025

Neymar, 32, currently plays for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, though injuries have limited him to just seven appearances since transferring from PSG in Aug. 2023. He'll be out of contract over the summer, though leaving for MLS wouldn't secure him anything close to the reported $103 million he's making per year at Al Hilal.

Tenorio and Cortegana noted that previous reporting put Neymar's prospective earnings at Chicago around $20 million, similar to what Inter Miami is paying Messi. Partnerships with Apple, Adidas and Fanatics likely take Messi far about the $20 million figure, however, and his deal with Inter Miami includes the option to purchase an ownership stake in the club upon his retirement.

Whether Neymar would have been offered such perks is unclear.

In his prime, the Brazilian superstar was one of the sport's most exciting players, both for club and country. His playing days included stops at Santos, Barcelona—where he was teammates with Messi and Luis Suárez and won two La Liga titles and won Champions League title—and PSG. He is Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer (79 goals in 128 caps).

Despite his recent issues with injuries, he would be a huge draw for MLS. While his return may not ultimately come with Chicago, Neymar has expressed an interest in potentially reuniting with Messi and Suárez again.

"Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suárez would be incredible," he told CNN's Aleks Klosok and Amanda Davies earlier in January. "They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio. I'm happy at Al Hilal, I'm happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows. Football is full of surprises."

Inter Miami does not currently have room to add Neymar as a designated player, however, as Tenorio and Cortegana noted. And if he's not interested in playing MLS soccer in general, it's all a moot point.

https://twitter.com/Sporf/status/848451211225419776

It didn't take Bastian Schweinsteiger long to make an impact in the red of Chicago Fire.

Just 17 minutes of the German's MLS debut against Montreal Impact had passed when he rose highest to send a thumping header into the back of the net.

The Men In Red later needed a 93rd-minute equaliser to claim a point from the 2-2 draw, but it was Schweinsteiger's immediate influence that generated the greatest buzz.

[Twitter]

The journalist who asked new Chicago Fire signing Bastian Schweinsteiger whether he envisioned taking the club to the FIFA World Cup has apologised for the error after getting "better educated on the ins and outs of soccer." 

Derek Henkle is a reporter for AFP, and after going viral for asking Schweinsteiger whether he could accomplish the impossible at his Chicago Fire unveiling, he told the Telegraph's Bob Williams he was sorry for the slip:

I'm truly sorry if I offended anyone. As a general assignment video reporter, I was seeking facts at a press conference. 

I get that I named the wrong trophy and greatly appreciate Schweinsteiger attempting to clean up the question for me. It was a classy move.

My question missed its mark, but it has allowed me to become better educated on the ins and outs of soccer.

The World Cup is, of course, an international competition, and even if Chicago's Major League Soccer outfit were allowed to compete among the world's most talented nations, there's not much hope they'd ever have the quality to win it.

Fox's At The Buzzer provided footage of the awkward encounter in question, which was quickly spun by the Fire's media team to assume Henkle meant the MLS Cup or the FIFA Club World Cup:

Try not to cringe watching a reporter ask Bastian Schweinsteiger if Chicago can win the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/hMz4NZfFxG

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 30, 2017

While Schweinsteiger may be a figure boasting major pedigree at the elite level of football, Chicago Fire fans may need reminding the 2014 World Cup-winner failed to make a single Premier League appearance for Manchester United this season before moving to the United States.

At 32 years of age, Schweinsteiger likely won't be solely responsible for many trophies making their way to Chicago anytime soon.

NBC presenter Pilib de Brun didn't look lightly upon Henkle's mistake, however, and criticised the journalist for not knowing the subject matter:

The idiot who asked Schweinsteiger if he can win the World Cup at Chicago is keeping young legitimate soccer journalists out of a job.

— Pilib De Brún (Phil Brown) (@Malachians) March 30, 2017

Henkle added his work makes him more a Jack-of-all-trades in sport, and he was more than happy to accept his fault: "I may have been one of the only general assignment guys in the room—but I believe, like a lot of Chicago, that Bastian Schweinsteiger's arrival presents an amazing opportunity for those of us who want to experience soccer to more fully embrace the sport."

New Chicago Fire midfielder and former Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger sat through an embarrassing moment during a press conference on Wednesday, as a reporter asked him whether his addition could help the team win a World Cup.

Sportswriter Cristian Nyari couldn't believe it:

Embarrassing.....Schweinsteiger was just asked if he can help the Chicago Fire win a World Cup....

— Cristian Nyari (@Cnyari) March 29, 2017

The former Bayern Munich and Manchester United star was confused by the question before the reporter―with a little help―changed the subject to an MLS Cup. The 32-year-old wouldn't guarantee any trophies, however.

As one might expect, the question led to plenty of hilarity among football fans on social media. Goal weighed in on the matter:

Bastian Schweinsteiger asked by a reporter at his Chicago Fire unveiling whether he can win the World Cup with them 😂 pic.twitter.com/OKzsF17oO6

— GOAL (@goal) March 29, 2017

Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated had a theory:

Convinced that the Ronaldo sculptor & Schweini questioners were the same guy, a master plan to get us through a day without soccer on TV.

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) March 29, 2017

Schweinsteiger is a World Cup winner, as he was part of the German team that took the title in Brazil in 2014. He also added two third-place medals to his impressive resume in 2006 and 2010. At Bayern, he won eight Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Champions League, too.

Fire fans can only hope he will bring that same level of success to the Windy City, as the team hasn't won an MLS Cup since 1998.

Bastian Schweinsteiger confirmed on Tuesday that he would be leaving Manchester United to join the Chicago Fire.

Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reported the transfer was finalised, with the midfielder penning a one-year deal with the Major League Soccer outfit. The player posted the following on his Twitter feed:

Thanks to all fans, the whole staff and my teammates of @ManUtd! I will never forget my time with the club, but now it’s time for a change! pic.twitter.com/zYn2o5Cjsk

— Bastian Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) March 21, 2017

The MLS side have since welcomed Schweinsteiger to the club:

It's official!

The Chicago Fire have acquired German midfielder @BSchweinsteiger! ➡️ https://t.co/x21i9LVOUd#cf97 pic.twitter.com/ZlkKyzaxR6

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) March 21, 2017

United confirmed the switch on their official website and included a statement from Schweinsteiger reflecting on his time at the club.

"I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United," he said. "But I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to take up the challenge at Chicago Fire. 

"I have enjoyed working with the manager, the players and staff here and wish them all the best in the future. But I have to reserve special thanks to the United fans—whose support has been a very special part of my time in Manchester."

The deal sees Schweinsteiger's spell at Old Trafford end after less than two years, having been brought to the club by Louis van Gaal in the summer of 2015.

His first season at Old Trafford was punctured by injury problems, and the midfielder was unable to show his best form. Since Jose Mourinho arrived ahead of the current campaign Schweinsteiger has fallen further down the pecking order.

The former Bayern Munich man made a scattering of appearances in the United first team, although not in the Premier League. 

Per Mark Ogden of ESPN, despite his reintegration into the first-team squad, it never felt as though the 32-year-old had a long-term future at Old Trafford:

Bastian Schweinsteiger valued at £4.8m in Man United financial results https://t.co/phKyQ4T0Dp

— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) February 9, 2017

Indeed, the Fire will be hoping Schweinsteiger can recapture the form that made him such a big favourite at Bayern Munich.

The German was at the hub of a team that dominated the Bundesliga, winning eight league titles as a player at the Allianz Arena. Additionally, Schweinsteiger also helped the Bavarians to the summit of European football in 2013, when they bested Borussia Dortmund to win the UEFA Champions League.

Schweinsteiger has also enjoyed success on the international stage, helping Germany become kings of international football with the World Cup title in 2014.

While injuries have taken their toll on Schweinstegier down the years, Chicago manager Veljko Paunovic will be delighted to call upon his composure and quality in the middle of the park. Additionally, for a team that have finished bottom of their conference in the last two MLS seasons, his winning mentality will be priceless.

Not sure if this was Chicago Fire or Barcelona at their very best. 

The MLS side looked in fine form, as they defeated Miami FC 5-2 in a pre-season friendly in Bradenton, Florida. 

Their fifth goal was the highlight, as David Accam finished off a superb team move. 

[Footage: Chicago Fire]

No team is ever officially out of the Major League Soccer playoff race. 

All you have to do is look at the Chicago Fire for the latest example of the parity that makes the league unique. 

The Fire were stranded in the basement of the Eastern Conference for the majority of the regular season until they struck for a nice run of form in August and the start of September. 

Veljko Paunovic's side took eight points from five matches, including a pair of 3-0 victories over Montreal Impact and Philadelphia Union, both of whom are expected to qualify for the postseason.

The lone loss during that span came at the hands of D.C. United on August 27 at RFK Stadium. The 6-2 defeat looks bad on paper, but if you dig deeper, Chicago put together a decent performance before Khaly Thiam was sent off. 

Instead of falling back to the bottom of the East after the blowout loss, the Fire responded with a home win over the Union. The ability to bounce back impressed Paunovic, especially with some winnable matches ahead on the schedule. 

"I think it was very important for us to come back, especially winning 3-0," Paunovic said. "It’s important after the loss. We also have to understand the game against D.C. was a completely different game from any game we played. We believe and we work hard so it doesn’t repeat. I think we just had a very bad day against D.C. and we move forward. I think we learned from that game. We all had the feeling that this can’t happen again, especially not until the end of the season."

The end of the regular season is rapidly approaching, and although they sit eight points out of the final playoff spot in the East after Saturday's 2-1 loss to Toronto, the Fire are hoping the belief instilled by Paunovic will help them challenge over the final seven matches. 

Hard work and perseverance have been preached by Paunovic and his staff since the new manager took over during the offseason. The results may not have shown up at the start of the season, but the team has made positive steps recently. 

Every player in the squad has followed that mentality whether it be in training or during matches. 

“We believe that everyone is important and we’ve had that approach since we started working together in preseason," Paunovic said. "And I think that proves what we are doing at this point."

"Having the opportunity in training and every session and fighting for your spot in every game gives us the competitiveness on the field, especially for the games where we have to make some adjustments and changes so we can have competitive guys ready to play," Paunovic continued. "That’s part of the plan we have and part of the demands and the approach we’ve had since we’ve started working together." 

The Fire enjoyed a boost in attack thanks to some midseason acquisitions. Dutch forward Michael de Leeuw, who last played with Groningen in the Eredivisie before joining Chicago, has three goals and two assists in his last three matches. 

In addition to his recent scoring form, the 29-year-old forward has opened up the Fire attack alongside Luis Solignac and David Accam. Solignac was picked up in a trade with the Colorado Rapids right before the end of the summer transfer window. Accam is the top playmaker in the squad, but he hasn't had enough support around him in the final third. 

“Everyone is important," Paunovic said. "But of course the guys who convert all these opportunities, in this case Michael, Luis, David and other guys, it’s important. For me, it’s a matter of being consistent in our work and approach, keeping our guys motivated and always pushing them forward to give their best performance." 

Midfielder Arturo Alvarez has also brought a dynamic presence to the Fire attack. The 31-year-old has produced five goals and five assists for the ninth-place side in the Eastern Conference. 

“I think Arturo is having one of the best seasons so far," Paunovic said. "We were able to manage together the load for the veteran players and the experience he brings to our team is very important. Everyone is very happy to see that he can even increase the number of goals he scores and assisting our players is something he always did very well.

"He has an abundance of talent.  I think that’s something that was very important for us so far, but we will continue doing the same thing and asking the best from Arturo because we believe there is still a lot to give from him and we expect he will do that." 

Chicago has the belief to win, and it's been evident over the last month that the plan set in place by Paunovic is finally working. Like all managers at a new club, the former Serbia U20 boss just needed to get the right players into the team to fit his system. 

In order to make a late run at the sixth playoff position in the Eastern Conference, the Fire must earn revenge against D.C. on Friday night at Toyota Park. A win over the Black and Red, who are one point out of the playoffs, would inch the Fire closer to the current pack of three fighting for sixth that also includes Orlando City and the New England Revolution. 

After Friday's match, the Fire head to the road for three consecutive matches against New York City FC, Seattle and Columbus. At least a point is mandatory from the first two games before they face the worst team in the Eastern Conference. 

"There’s still a long way to go and we still have to keep that approach and there is a lot of games to play," Paunovic said. "I think we have a great opportunity in front of us, starting with the next game, of course seven games that will be seven finals for us." 

Two games in a row, one on the road and one at home, against the Crew could spark a late run, or at least allow the Fire to play the role of spoiler against the Revolution on the penultimate day of the season. Chicago could be thrust into the same role a week later against a Toronto FC side searching for the top seed in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters' Shield. 

The Fire may be too much of a long shot to make up eight points on Orlando with seven games left, but nothing is to be counted out when it comes to the wild and unpredictable MLS playoff race.

Even if Chicago fail to hit their postseason goal in 2016, they have built a solid foundation with Paunovic at the helm to make a charge from the start in 2017. 

The combination of De Leeuw, Solignac and Accam should be able to create enough chances over 90 minutes for themselves or others to be able to finish, with players like Alvarez behind them in support if need be. 

The Fire are also building a solid young core led by midfielder Matt Polster and defenders Jonathan Campbell and Brandon Vincent. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who is 27, has been a part of the defensive spine for quite some time, and he is expected to help usher the young defenders into the squad as they adjust to the complexities of the league. 

Paunovic and general manager Nelson Rodriguez will also be able to add some new parts during the offseason to strengthen a roster that is just a few players away from contending. 

If their recent run has taught us anything, it's that the plan that Paunovic and Rodriguez instilled is already working, and it will reap more success in time. 

Joe Tansey covers MLS for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90. 

The Chicago Fire were once a powerhouse in Major League Soccer. Chicago won the MLS Cup in its first season in 1998 and finished twice as the runner-up in 2000 and 2003.

Now, the Fire are languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. They're also the only team without a road win in 2015. It is easily the most sorry franchise in the league.

To make matters worse, Chicago's prized offseason acquisition, Shaun Maloney, is nearing a move to Hull City in the English Championship. Head coach Frank Yallop (via Orrin Schwarz of the Daily Herald) confirmed that a deal was close:

Yallop confirms Maloney transfer to #hcafc all but done #cf97

— Orrin Schwarz (@Orrin_Schwarz) August 20, 2015

Yallop says #cf97 got a good deal from #hcafc but still sorry to see Maloney go

— Orrin Schwarz (@Orrin_Schwarz) August 20, 2015

Maloney left for personal reasons because of the "setup not being right," according to sports agency Global Premier Management:

Personal reasons for Maloney leaving Chicago. He personally didn't like the set up! No shock there.

— Global Premier Mgmt (@GlobalPremMgmt) August 20, 2015

The Scotland international scored three goals and recorded two assists in 14 appearances with Fire. Maloney missed some matches due to injury and international call-ups.

Despite Maloney's short stint with the Fire, he's still tied for sixth in appearances among Chicago designated players, per freelance writer Jeff Crandall:

Did you know? Juan Luis Anangono played the 2nd most games of all @ChicagoFire DPs with 28. pic.twitter.com/ytb0bFiOym

— Jeff Crandall (@jefecrandall) August 20, 2015

Ever since Cuauhtemoc Blanco left Chicago, the Fire have struggled to find a DP who can produce. David Accam could buck the trend. The forward has six goals in 14 appearances and is still just 24 years old.

However, Accam is proving to be the only smart signing. Maloney's imminent departure will free up a DP slot and some cap space, but it's highly likely that the Fire will make another underwhelming signing.

The fans are clearly fed up with the average acquisitions and mediocrity. Supporters are protesting Andrew Hauptman's ownership of the team and are growing restless.

Since Hauptman bought the team in 2007, Chicago hasn't won a major trophy and has missed the playoffs four out of the last five years. It appears as if the Fire will miss the postseason again.

Considering the size of the market and the past success of the Fire, they're in an awful state. Hauptman's net worth is not publicized, but the Chicago Fire are worth around $160 million, per Forbes. The team ranks seventh in MLS.

The Fire are worth more than the likes of the New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution. The operating income is in the red, which indicates mismanagement.

However, if the Vancouver Whitecaps can spend wisely on designated players despite being the 16th most valuable franchise, the Fire can as well.

Before Pedro Morales signed a contract extension, he was earning about $1.4 million in guaranteed compensation, per the MLS Players Union. Maloney made nearly $1.6 million.

Yallop is also the director of soccer, meaning he has input on personnel decisions. It's safe to say that he hasn't excelled in either role so far. Trevor James, the head of scouting, has been underwhelming as well.

However, the Fire have talented players: Goalkeeper Sean Johnson is a reliable No. 1, Jeff Larentowicz and Joevin Jones have been solid defenders, Rookie Matt Polster has been tremendous in central midfield, Harry Shipp is the crown jewel of the academy and Accam has proven to be a formidable signing.

Spending big money isn't the answer, though.

Teams need lower-paid players coupled with those marquee signings. There also needs to be a clear philosophy in place with a coach who can carry out the plan.

Sporting Kansas City has done this thanks to analytics. Vancouver and FC Dallas utilized their homegrown signings and South American scouting to build strong teams.

Peter Vermes, Carl Robinson and Oscar Pareja have turned their respective teams into realistic MLS Cup contenders despite limited resources. Vancouver, SKC and Dallas rank eighth, ninth and 19th in guaranteed compensation, per ESPN FC.

Yallop doesn't seem capable of following this ideology anymore.

The 51-year-old's tactics have been dull, especially on the road. The Fire have scored just 11 times and have allowed 22 away from home. They look bereft of ideas in the final third whenever they're outside of Toyota Park.

On the other hand, Hauptman chose Yallop over Frank Klopas, who was fired despite a record of 34 wins, 17 draws and 25 losses. Klopas was also the last coach to lead the Fire to the playoffs.

Every successful business starts at the top. This Maloney saga is proof that ownership and those in charge of personnel aren't competent enough to bring glory back to Chicago.

Peter Galindo covers MLS and U.S. soccer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @GalindoPW.

During the wild and crazy Major League Soccer offseason, the Chicago Fire have flown under the radar with their slew of acquisitions. 

The Fire, who have missed the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, are once again looking for new designated players to bring them back to the promised land. 

In the busy offseason, the Fire have brought in Kennedy Igboananike, David Accam and Shaun Maloney as their latest designated players. All three players are expected to improve the team's attack, which already features Mike Magee, Quincy Amarikwa and Harrison Shipp. 

DEAL DONE: Shaun Maloney has left Wigan for MLS side Chicago Fire for an undisclosed fee. (Source: @ChicagoFire) pic.twitter.com/zTAwvrx8Cp

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 26, 2015

Given the history of designated players in Chicago, it is easy to doubt the talent the Fire will put out on the pitch in 2015. Only Cuauhtemoc Blanco experienced a good amount of success in a Fire shirt as a designated player from 2007 to 2009. 

Despite the lack of trust in the club's eye for talent, there is plenty of hope surrounding the Fire heading into the new campaign. 

On top of stockpiling talent in attack, Frank Yallop's side have attempted to secure the back line with the additions of Adailton, Joevin Jones and Eric Gehrig. 

Unlike the depth in attack, Chicago only has a few returning players in the back four in Lovel Palmer and Greg Cochrane, which means the first month or two could be rough for the unfamiliar lineup. 

Although there are plenty of concerns about the defense, the Fire do have a very reliable 'keeper in Sean Johnson. If the United States international can shine during the first half of the season, he will give the defense time to work out their growing pains. 

When you look at the squad as a whole, there is plenty of potential for the Fire to contend for a playoff position in the Eastern Conference in 2015. 

Maloney and Shipp should provide plenty of quality on the wings with a bevy of hungry forwards waiting to strike against opposing defenses. The young duo of Igboananike and Accam could also come into the league with no fear and get off to hot starts. 

While the clubs Chicago faces at the start of the season will have information on the two forwards, they will not have the in-person experience of marking the two. Just like many first-year players in other American sports, the pair could thrive before tape is gathered on them.

Another positive quality about the forward depth is Magee will not face a ton of pressure up front by himself this season. The league veteran had an unreal 2013 in which he scored 21 goals for the Fire and LA Galaxy. 

In 2014, Magee's goal total dropped down to seven, which is still an impressive total for the player, who was never seen as a major threat in front of goal before the 2013 campaign. 

With plenty of experience under his belt in MLS, Magee should be able to help the pair of young newcomers and Amarikwa with their technique in front of goal. If all goes well, Magee will only have to score a handful of goals for the Fire to be successful. 

A lot of Chicago's success in 2015 will be determined by the play on the pitch, but it also helps that the East has weakened in quality with the departures of Sporting Kansas City and the Houston Dynamo. 

At the moment, only New England, D.C. and Columbus can be seen as locks for the playoffs. With six spaces now open for playoff teams in each conference, Chicago's chances of qualifying for the postseason have increased. 

However, just like a few other squads in the East, the Fire need everything to jell early in the season to be labeled as a contender. The Fire will be lumped in the same group as the other six clubs in the East in regards to their potential. 

With so many things up in the air in the East heading into the 2015 season, the Fire could very well produce a winning season and reignite the passionate fanbase in Chicago.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.