Swiss attacker Xherdan Shaqiri to leave Chicago Fire after mutual contract termination

Xherdan Shaqiri's disappointing tenure in Chicago is set to end, with the attacking midfielder leaving with immediate effect, the club announced on Wednesday. The 32-year-old, who spent stints at Bayern Munich and Liverpool prior to joining the Fire, scored 16 goals and added 13 assists in 76 appearances for Chicago.

Shaqiri's career in Chicago never really took off. The Swiss international never managed to complete a full campaign in over two years in the Windy City, with minor injuries hampering each campaign. Chicago is currently 14th in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of last-place New England Revolution.

Still, they remain just three points off a playoff spot, and with Shaqiri now off their payroll, they could look to fill his spot before the transfer window closes Wednesday evening.

Shaqiri's exit will make way for promising U.S. Youth National Brian Gutierrez to be the central-figure in their midfield. The 19-year-old has five goals and three assists for the Fire this season - and just narrowly missed out on a roster spot for Marko Mitrovic's Olympic Squad ahead of the Paris games.

There are no immediate links for a future home for Shaqiri, although, at 32, the attacking midfielder will likely have suitors for his future. He retired from international duty at the end of Euro 2024.