Swiss attacker Xherdan Shaqiri to leave Chicago Fire after mutual contract termination

The former Switzerland international is departing the MLS club after just over two years in Chicago.

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• Shaqiri to leave Chicago, effective immediately
• Has just three goal involvements in MLS this year
• Signed from Lyon in February 2022

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Xherdan Shaqiri's disappointing tenure in Chicago is set to end, with the attacking midfielder leaving with immediate effect, the club announced on Wednesday. The 32-year-old, who spent stints at Bayern Munich and Liverpool prior to joining the Fire, scored 16 goals and added 13 assists in 76 appearances for Chicago.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Shaqiri's career in Chicago never really took off. The Swiss international never managed to complete a full campaign in over two years in the Windy City, with minor injuries hampering each campaign. Chicago is currently 14th in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of last-place New England Revolution.

  Still, they remain just three points off a playoff spot, and with Shaqiri now off their payroll, they could look to fill his spot before the transfer window closes Wednesday evening.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Shaqiri's exit will make way for promising U.S. Youth National Brian Gutierrez to be the central-figure in their midfield. The 19-year-old has five goals and three assists for the Fire this season – and just narrowly missed out on a roster spot for Marko Mitrovic's Olympic Squad ahead of the Paris games.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SHAQIRI?

  There are no immediate links for a future home for Shaqiri, although, at 32, the attacking midfielder will likely have suitors for his future. He retired from international duty at the end of Euro 2024.