CHICAGO (Aug. 6, 2021) – Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has acquired 21-year-old defensive midfielder Federico Navarro from Club Atlético Talleres in Argentina. Navarro will occupy a U-22 initiative slot and an international roster position.
He will be added to the Fire’s roster pending a medical and receipt of the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa. His contract with the Fire will run through the 2025 season with a Club option for 2026.
“Federico is a very talented defensive midfielder, who fits the demands of MLS,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz. “Despite being just 21 years old, he has been a consistent starter in one of the most challenging leagues in South America. His aggressiveness and ability to cover a lot of ground quickly will add a defensive mindset and balance to our roster. We look forward to welcoming him to Chicago in the coming weeks.”
Navarro comes to the Fire after spending the entirety of his young professional career in Argentina. Since making his debut in 2018, the Argentine midfielder has made 52 appearances (42 starts) across all competitions for Talleres. At the international level, Navarro has featured for the U-19 Argentina National Team. In 2018, he made four appearances (four starts) for the U-19s at the South American Games held in Bolivia.
With this acquisition, the Fire have signed two players under the league’s U-22 initiative. The Club previously acquired 17-year-old Colombian striker Jhon Jáder Durán, who became the youngest international signing in MLS history on Jan. 11. Durán will be added to the Fire’s roster on Jan. 1, 2022. For more information on the MLS U-22 initiative, click here.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC acquires midfielder Federico Navarro from Club Atlético Talleres using the MLS U-22 player initiative.
Name: Federico Navarro
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 152 lbs.
Date of Birth: March 9, 2000
Hometown: Santa Fe, Argentina
Birthplace: Santa Fe, Argentina
Citizenship: Argentina
Last Club: Club Atlético Talleres
