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The Chicago Fire acquired midfielder Rominigue Kouame on loan Friday from Spanish LaLiga2 side Cadiz CF for the 2025 season with an option to purchase.

Kouame, 28, will fill an international position on the roster. Contract terms were not announced.

Born in Ivory Coast but with heritage from Mali, Kouame has played in 11 games for the Malian national team.

He has five goals and nine assists in 214 pro matches. Kouame played for LOSC Lille (2017-18) and ESTAC Troyes (2021-23) in France’s Ligue 1 as well as top-flight Belgian side Cercle Brugge (2019-20).

Gregg Berhalter, the Fire’s first-year head coach and director of football, said in a team statement that he is excited to add Kouame to the roster.

“His addition brings another dimension to our midfield and strengthens the team in a key area,” said Berhalter, a former U.S. men’s national team coach. “With his qualities and experience competing in elite European leagues like LaLiga and Ligue 1, we’re confident Rominigue will make an immediate impact and help us achieve our goals this season.”

Kouame, who played for Cadiz’s LaLiga and LaLiga2 squads since 2023, said he is thrilled to be part of “this ambitious project” in Chicago.

“After learning more about the team’s vision, it was clear that this is the right place for me,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to contributing on the field, connecting with the fans, and helping the club achieve its goals this season.”

The Fire open their 2025 season on Feb. 22 at the Columbus Crew.

–Field Level Media