CHICAGO (March 12, 2024) – Chicago Fire FC today announced that it has loaned Homegrown defender Justin Reynolds to FC Lugano for the remainder of the 2023-24 Swiss Super League season. Chicago retains the right to recall Reynolds at any point, subject to MLS roster compliance guidelines. Per Club policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Justin to continue his development and gain valuable experience by competing in a new country and league,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz. “This move highlights one of the many benefits of our multi-club network, and we are excited to see Justin take on a new challenge and help our partners at FC Lugano achieve their goals for the remainder of the season.”
Reynolds, 19, joined the Chicago Fire FC First Team roster with a Homegrown contract on Jan. 1, 2023. The Chicago native became the 24th Homegrown Player in Club history and the 10th to sign with the Fire since January 2020. Prior to becoming a member of the First Team, Reynolds was part of the Chicago Fire FC II squad that competed in the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season in 2022. He was also a key part of the backline that helped Chicago Fire II reach the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs in 2023.
Overall, Reynolds played 40 matches (35 starts) for Chicago Fire II, scoring one goal and dishing out three assists as a defender in 2023. As part of the Chicago Fire Academy, he was an integral member of the team that won the inaugural MLS NEXT U-19 Championship on July 3, 2021, against Solar SC at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
At the international level, Reynolds has represented the U.S. Men’s Youth National Team at the U-19 and U-15 age levels.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC loans Homegrown defender Justin Reynolds to Swiss Super League club FC Lugano for the remainder of the 2023-24 Swiss Super League season.
