Fede Navarro sold to Rosario Central

Federico Navarro is no longer a Chicago Fire player, with the club announcing his departure for Argentine club Rosario Central earlier today. Navarro has spent three-and-a-half seasons in Chicago since joining the team mid-season in 2021.

The Fire will also maintain a portion of the transfer fee should Rosario Central sell him on in the future.

Navarro – the Fire's club-record arrival at the time of his signing – had an up-and-down and injury-riddled spell with the Fire. He made 74 MLS appearances for the Fire and was named team Defensive MVP in his first team, despite only playing half the year.

“We’d like to thank Fede for his service and contributions to the Club,” said Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “This move gives Fede the opportunity to return to his family and home country. This transfer is in the best interest of both the player and the Club, and we wish Fede and his family all the best for the future.”

Despite his rockstar debut campaign in 2021, Navarro was never able to take the next step in his development after that point. The Argentine midfielder had a solid 2022 season, appearing in 30 matches and providing some memorable moments, but was never the same after he came off injured in the early minutes of the 2023 season. In both 2023 and 2024, Navarro made just 16 appearances, failing to lock down a starting spot every game even when healthy.

This move was somewhat unexpected for the Fire, especially since Navarro was one of just a handful of natural central midfielders on the first team roster. He also started the Fire's first friendly of the preseason, playing 45 minutes against Fortaleza just seven days ago. The departure leaves just Kellyn Acosta and new signing Rominigue Kouamé as recognized starting central midfielders on the team, with homegrowns Sergio Oregel and Mauricio Pineda the only other backups.

Navarro's departure does open a U-22 Initiative slot on the Fire's roster, opening new possibilities for the team on the transfer market. It also means that Berhalter must likely add at least one more central midfielder to compete with Acosta and Kouamé. Though there are presently five open slots on the senior roster, there is only one available international slot, so the next signing would most likely either be an American or from within MLS.

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