12/12/2023 1:29:50 PM EST
The Chicago Fire acquired Andrew Gutman from the Colorado Rapids on Tuesday in exchange for fellow defender Miguel Navarro.The Rapids also received $450,000 in general allocation money ($225,000 in 2024 and $225,000 in 2025).The Fire will receive a percentage of any future transfer fee if Navarro is dealt to a team outside of MLS.Navarro, 24, had four assists in 25 matches (22 starts) for Chicago in 2023. The Venezuelan collected eight assists in 97 MLS matches (81 starts) since joining the Fire in 2020."Miguel is one of the most talented, exciting young left backs in MLS," said Rapids sporting director Fran Taylor. "We're excited to welcome him to the club, and we believe he can develop into a core piece of our team's backline with his skill set."The Fire signed Gutman, a Chicago area native who developed in the Fire's youth academy, to a new contract that runs through the 2026 MLS campaign and includes a club option for 2027.Gutman, 27, has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 106 MLS matches (89 starts) with FC Cincinnati (2019-20), New York Red Bulls (2021), Atlanta United (2021-23) and Colorado."We are thrilled to welcome Andrew back to the Fire," Fire sporting director Georg Heitz said. "He is an attacking fullback who possesses the specific skillset that we were seeking for this position. Additionally, as a Chicagoan and former Academy player, he understands what it means to represent this Club and is extremely motivated to help the team achieve our goals in 2024."--Field Level Media
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