The Chicago Fire rejected an initial offer from Real Madrid for goalkeeper Gabriel “Gaga” Slonina, MLSsoccer.com reported Thursday.
The Spanish powerhouse’s offer did not match Chicago’s valuation for the 18-year-old American netminder, and the MLS club responded with a counter-offer, per the report.
Slonina’s preference is to join Real Madrid, according to his agent.
“It should be an honor for Chicago, and MLS, to have Real Madrid take notice in one of their players,” Jaime Garcia of Starting XI Player Management told MLSsoccer.com. “We are hoping Chicago can find an agreement with Real Madrid to realize Gabriel’s dream of playing for this club.”
Slonina, whose contract expires after the 2023 MLS season, has allowed just 20 goals and posted five shutouts in 14 starts this season. He had four shutouts in 11 games of his debut season in 2021.
Other clubs reportedly interested in the teenager’s services include England’s Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton.
“With respect to other cubs and other offers – we’ve received many and we are gracious to those clubs – but you cannot say no to Real Madrid,” Garcia said.
–Field Level Media