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Chicago Fire sign Jonathan Bamba from Celta de Vigo as Designated Player

21. January 2025
Jonathan Bamba (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Chicago Fire FC have completed the signing of Ivory Coast international Jonathan Bamba from LaLiga side Celta de Vigo, the club announced on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old winger joins the MLS outfit on a contract running through 2027, with an option to extend for an additional year until 2028. Reports suggest the transfer fee is around $2 million, making Bamba the club’s latest Designated Player, joining fellow DP and club-record signing Hugo Cuypers, who arrived last winter for up to $14 million from KAA Gent.

Chicago Fire's director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter expressed his excitement over the acquisition, emphasizing Bamba’s experience at the highest levels of European football.

"We're thrilled to welcome Jonathan to the Chicago Fire. He has competed in two of Europe’s top leagues and played an instrumental role in Lille’s Ligue 1 title run," said Berhalter. "His experience, work rate, and ability to break down defenses will be a huge asset as we look to build a strong team for the upcoming season. Jonathan is a talented player who fits our values and philosophy, and we’re excited to welcome him to Chicago in the prime of his career."

Bamba boasts an impressive career record, with 50 goals and 53 assists in 338 professional appearances, spanning his time with clubs such as Saint-Etienne, Lille, and Celta de Vigo. His standout achievement came during Lille’s 2020-21 Ligue 1 title-winning campaign, where he was a key contributor to their success.

Born in France, Bamba represented Les Bleus at youth level before switching allegiance to Ivory Coast, where he has since earned 10 international caps, scoring one goal. He was also part of the Elephants’ squad that triumphed in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bamba eager for new challenge in MLS

In his first comments as a Chicago Fire player, Bamba expressed his excitement about joining the club and embracing the challenge of playing in Major League Soccer.

"I’m very happy to join Chicago Fire FC at such an important moment for the club," said Bamba. "The direction the team is heading, both on and off the field, is very exciting, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its future success. I’m ready for this new challenge and can’t wait to work with my new coaches and teammates to achieve great things together."


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