Chicago Fire transfer Brian Gutiérrez to Chivas

Chicago Fire FC has finalized the transfer of midfielder Brian Gutiérrez to Club Deportivo Guadalajara, widely known as Chivas, in a multi-million-dollar agreement. As part of the deal, Chicago will retain a percentage of any future transfer fee should the Liga MX club decide to sell Gutiérrez at a later date.

The move represents the third multi-million-dollar transfer completed by Chicago Fire FC in the past three years involving a player aged 22 or younger. The club previously transferred goalkeeper Gabriel “Gaga” Slonina to Chelsea FC in 2022 and forward Jhon Duran to Aston Villa in 2023, underscoring a growing track record of developing and exporting young talent.

“Brian has demonstrated consistent growth and commitment to our Club for 11 years. His year-over-year progression has culminated in a career-best season, and we are proud of his achievements,” said Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “As he takes the next step in his journey, we have full confidence that he will continue to elevate his game and make an even greater impact in the years ahead.”

A native of Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood, Gutiérrez joined the club’s academy in 2015. His family roots trace back to Jalisco, the Mexican state where Chivas is based. He signed his first professional contract on March 9, 2020, at the age of 16, becoming the 16th Homegrown Player in Chicago Fire FC history.

Since making his MLS debut on August 20, 2020, against the Columbus Crew, Gutiérrez appeared in 164 matches across all competitions for the Fire. Over that span, he recorded 21 goals and 25 assists. Among Homegrown players in club history, he ranks second with 149 regular-season appearances and has logged more than 9,000 minutes on the field.

“It has been a privilege to play for my hometown Club and represent all the kids who grew up playing in the parks around Chicago. I would like to thank all of my teammates, coaches, and all the staff from the Academy through the first team who helped a kid from Chicago live his dream,” said Gutiérrez. “I would also like to thank my family for their unconditional support over the years, as well as all the fans who have supported us in the good and tough times. I will keep representing Chicago everywhere I go, and Chicago will always be home.”

Before breaking into the first team, Gutiérrez was a standout in the club’s academy system, appearing in nearly 80 matches while tallying 28 goals and 39 assists.

On the international stage, he earned two caps with starts for the U.S. Men’s National Team during January friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica earlier this year, after previously representing the United States at multiple youth levels from U-14 through U-23.

The transfer further highlights Chicago Fire FC’s continued emphasis on academy development and its ability to produce players capable of moving to top clubs abroad.