CHICAGO (Dec. 27, 2022) – Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has mutually agreed to part ways with Jhon Espinoza, as the defender is set to make a permanent move to FC Lugano in the Swiss Super League.
Espinoza will join Lugano once the European transfer window opens on Jan. 1, 2023. Per Club policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We thank Jhon for his contributions to the Club over the last two seasons,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz. “Jhon is an excellent young player with great potential and this move will allow him to continue his development in a competitive European league. We wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter with FC Lugano.”
Originally acquired by Chicago via transfer from S.D. Aucas in Ecuador, Espinoza, 23, made 39 appearances (eight starts) in two seasons for the Fire. He also played in five matches (four starts) for Chicago Fire FC II of MLS NEXT Pro.
Prior to joining the Fire on Nov. 23, 2020, Espinoza made 54 appearances (48 starts) across all competitions while playing in Ecuador’s top-flight. He originally began his career with C.D. Cuenca in 2017 and made five appearances (four starts) in two seasons with the Club.
Internationally, Espinoza earned 15 caps for Ecuador’s U-20 side, including seven appearances in the 2019 U-20 FIFA World Cup, and two caps for the Ecuador National Team. In 2019, Espinoza captained Ecuador’s U-20 team to a first-place finish in the 2019 U-20 South American Championship. He made seven appearances (seven starts) as his home country captured its first-ever championship in the biennial competition.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC and defender Jhon Espinoza mutually agree to part ways on Dec. 27, 2022.
