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Sources: Robert Turdean Signs Chicago Fire Homegrown Deal

Alex Calabrese

22 Jan 2025 — 2 min read

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The Chicago Fire have signed top prospect Robert Turdean to a homegrown contract, sources tell MIR97 Media. Turdean is one of the most highly-rated talents in the country and has been a standout for the U.S. youth national teams. It's the second largest contract for a homegrown player in MLS history, after Cavan Sullivan.

Turdean, born in 2010, will become the second-youngest player to ever sign with the Fire, following behind just Gaga Slonina. He is also the second player born in 2010 to sign an MLS contract after Vicente García, who was just signed by the L.A. Galaxy. Turdean was an essential part of the Chicago Fire U-15 team's triumph in MLS Next Cup last season, where he played a pivotal role despite playing up a year.

Turdean has played up with the Fire U-15s and U-17s.

There has been no shortage of recognition for Turdean from around American soccer in recent months; he was named to the MLS Next Cup Best XI by the competition itself and TopDrawerSoccer and was named to the MLS Next Team of the Season by YSC. The diminutive, technical attacking midfielder also signed with Adidas last year, aged just 14.

Turdean, who celebrated his 15th birthday last week, has also played up with the U.S. national team, debuting for the U-15s as a 13-year-old in 2023. He is eligible to play for both the United States and Romania.

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While Turdean is signing a homegrown contract, he will not immediately play or train with the first team; instead, he will continue to play with academy teams or Fire II. Though yet to debut in MLS Next Pro, he could have the opportunity to train with the second team this year and may see the field in the coming months.

Turdean follows Dylan Borso as the second player that the Fire have signed from the academy this offseason. He is expected to be the only other homegrown signing for this winter as of right now.

https://meninred97.com/sources-chicago-fire-sign-dylan-borso-to-homegrown-deal/

https://meninred97.com/who-will-be-the-chicago-fires-next-homegrown/

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