Beninese football sensation David Tchetchao has officially joined the ranks of Chicago Fire, marking a significant move in his burgeoning career. The 20-year-old striker, hailing from Asvo, has penned a three-year deal with the Major Soccer League (MLS) club, becoming the latest addition to the Chicago “Men in Reds” squad.
Speculation surrounding Tchetchao’s transfer has been rife for several weeks, and now the deal has been sealed.
Chicago Fire proudly announced the acquisition of the talented player, who garnered acclaim as the three-time man of the match in six appearances during the Ufoa-B U20 competition held in the Democratic Republic of Congo at the end of 2023.
Despite his recent signing with Chicago Fire, Tchetchao’s journey may soon take him to Switzerland.
Reports suggest that the Beninese international, who represented his country in the 13th African Games in Accra earlier this March, holds a clause in his contract allowing him to transition to Lugano FC in the Swiss first division.
Lugano FC is notably owned by Chicago Fire president Joe Mansueto, and Tchetchao had previously undergone successful trials with the Swiss club in 2023.
However, due to constraints on foreign player recruitment, Tchetchao will commence his tenure with Chicago Fire’s reserve team for the time being.
The transfer was hinted at earlier by Benin coach Gernot Rohr during a press conference on March 8, 2024, explaining Tchetchao’s absence from the national team’s recent fixtures against Ivory Coast and Senegal.
Rohr revealed, “David Tchetchao signed in Lugano (D1/Switzerland), but in the meantime, he will leave the day after tomorrow for Chicago Fire in the United States, which is a partner team of Lugano.”
As Tchetchao prepares to embark on his new chapter with Chicago Fire, anticipation mounts among fans eager to witness his debut in the MLS.
While his first appearance for the club may be delayed, Tchetchao’s talent and potential promise an exciting addition to Chicago Fire’s roster as they gear up to face Atlanta United on March 31, 2024, in the Eastern Conference.
