MLS
Jack Elliott signs as free agent with Chicago Fire FC
Jack Elliott is the latest Philadelphia Union player to trade Chester for the Windy City.
The 29-year-old veteran center back’s signing with the Chicago Fire FC was confirmed on Monday.
“Jack’s decision to join the Fire as a free agent marks an important step in our efforts to build a highly competitive squad for next season,” Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter said in a news release. “Jack’s signing immediately strengthens our team, as he brings extensive MLS experience, strong technical ability, and leadership along the backline. We’re excited to welcome Jack to the Fire and look forward to his contributions on and off the field as we work toward achieving our goals.”
Elliott’s new deal is for 2025 with a club option for 2026. He turned down an offer to return to the Philadelphia Union, presumably with a pay cut from the $800,000 he was guaranteed in 2024.
“After months of back and forth, and 8 years with the club, I’m disappointed to announce my time in Philadelphia has come to a close,” Elliott wrote in an Instagram post on Monday. “Philadelphia has become home to me, but the time has come where I have to stay true to myself and know my own worth.”
Elliott was drafted with the 77th overall pick by the Union in 2017 out of West Virginia University. He became a lot more than an after thought picks that late in the draft typically are and had the Union on the doorstep of an MLS Cup in 2022 when he scored a goal in the 124th minute to put the Union in front of a final they later lost on penalties.
“I am genuinely excited for this next chapter at the Chicago Fire,” said Elliott. “I believe in the vision this organization has for this coming year and the Club’s future as a whole. I’ve never had a problem with being the underdog, and I can’t wait to get to work with the group and prove to everyone what we are capable of.”
Previous departures from the Union to Chicago include Kacper Przybyłko, who was traded to the Fire in 2022 for $1,150,000 in allocation money; CJ Sapong, who was traded to the Fire for $450,000 in allocation; Fabian Herbers, who was traded to the Fire for a second round draft pick in December 2018 and Bakary Soumaré was traded back to the Fire in 2013 for allocation after an ill-fated tenure with the Union.
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