The Chicago Fire acquired hometown goalkeeper Jeff Gal from Swedish side Degerfors IF, the team announced Wednesday.
Gal, 29, arrives on a free transfer and is under contract with Chicago through 2023 with club options for 2024 and 2025.
The Fire are looking for a new No. 1 goalkeeper after homegrown standout Gaga Slonina was sent via transfer to Chelsea of the English Premier League.
“We are very excited to welcome Jeff to his hometown club,” Fire sporting director Georg Heitz said. “He has taken a unique path in his career and established himself at a high level in Europe over the past several years. Chicago has a strong history at the goalkeeper position and his experience will be a great asset to our group of goalkeepers as they continue to challenge each other and fight for valuable game minutes.”
?? Welcome home, Jeff! #cf97
— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) January 11, 2023
Gal has spent his entire professional career, playing for Lidkopings FK (2016), BK Forward (2017) and Skovde AIK (2019) before joining Degerfors in July 2019. He appeared in 75 matches, including 14 in the top flight.
The Chicago native played collegiately at Creighton and Virginia before heading overseas.
–Field Level Media