Midfielder Jonathan Bamba moves to MLS’s Chicago Fire from Celta Vigo
Celta’s Jonathan Bamba, left, scores his side’s first goal against Real Madrid during a Copa del Rey round of 16 soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Pablo Garcia)
CHICAGO (AP) — Winger Jonathan Bamba was acquired by Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire from Spanish club Celta Viga on Tuesday and agreed to a three-year contract that includes a team option for 2028.
The 28-year-old, a member of Ivory Coast’s team that won last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, will be a designated player whose compensation and acquisition cost exceed the $743,750 salary budget charge maximum.
Bamba has played for Saint-Etienne (2015-18), Paris FC (2016), Sint-Truiden (2016), Angers (2016), Lille (2018-23) and Celta.
Chicago is entering its first season under former U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter.
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