The Fire transferred Chicago native and homegrown midfielder Brian Gutierrez to Club Deportivo Guadalajara for what the MLS club called a “multi-million-dollar transfer fee.”
The Athletic pegged the deal at $5 million.
Should the LigaMX side permanently transfer Gutierrez, the Fire would retain a percentage of any future transfer fee.
He had been affiliated with the Fire youth academy since 2015.
“Brian has demonstrated consistent growth and commitment to our club for 11 years. His year-over-year progression has culminated in a career-best season, and we are proud of his achievements,” said Gregg Berhalter, Fire director of football and head coach.
“As he takes the next step in his journey, we have full confidence that he will continue to elevate his game and make an even greater impact in the years ahead.”
Gutierrez, 22, recorded nine goals and six assists in 29 matches (24 starts) last season.
He has totaled 19 goals and 18 assists in 149 career matches (104 starts) with the Fire.
He is of Mexican descent and received a Mexican passport in 2015, which would allow to him to play for Mexico’s national team.
Also on Saturday, the Fire permanently transferred forward Georgios Koutsias to FC Lugano. He had been on loan to the Swiss team since January.
Koutsias, 20, recorded five goals and three assists in 57 appearances (18 starts) with the Fire from 2023-24.
–Field Level Media
