Chicago Fire Sign Anzor Mekvabishvili

Chicago Fire FC announced Sept. 1 that it has acquired Georgian midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili from Romanian Liga 1 club Universitatea Craiova.

The 25-year-old will take an international roster slot, pending the completion of his medical examination and receipt of a P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate. His contract runs through the 2028-29 season and includes a club option for 2029-30.

“We’re excited to add a player of Anzor’s pedigree to the Club,” Chicago Fire Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter said. Berhalter cited the midfielder’s experience in international and European competition, as well as his Player of the Year recognition on a championship-winning team. He said the club expects Mekvabishvili to strengthen its midfield and raise the overall level of the squad.

Mekvabishvili arrives in Chicago with more than 230 appearances in competitions across Europe and four titles. During his time with Universitatea Craiova, he won the Romanian league championship, Romanian Cup and Romanian Super Cup. He previously captured the 2020-21 Georgian Super Cup with Dinamo Tbilisi.

The midfielder began his professional career with Dinamo Tbilisi in 2019 before moving to Romania. He has also earned 33 senior appearances for Georgia in international friendlies, World Cup and European qualifiers, UEFA Nations League matches, and UEFA Euro competition. Earlier in his career, he represented Georgia at the U-16 through U-21 levels.