Schweinsteiger, seen here in a friendly last season against Club America, will join the Chicago Fire as a Designated Player (photo credit: Brandon Bleek)
Tribune reports German international could join squad as early as middle of next week.
BRIDGEVIEW, IL-–The Fire’s months long courtship of Bastian Schweinsteiger has finally been successful. The Chicago Tribune reported late Monday night that the Fire have indeed signed the Manchester United midfielder. The report also says that he could join the Fire as early as the middle of next week pending P-1 visa application and a physical.
Schweinsteiger, 32, all but confirmed it in a tweet early Tuesday morning. He is reported to have signed a one-year deal worth $4.5 million. Form will be a question since he had fallen out of favor with Jose Mourinho at Man U and has played in just two matches (one of which was an FA Cup tie against Wigan where he scored). However, the Fire were still willing to take a chance and now acknowledge that they will be held to a higher standard than previously.
“We’re adding someone who has won at every level, including the very highest levels, and has done so in a way that is consistent with our values,” Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez told the Tribune. “We as a club will now be forced to hold ourselves to a higher standard, an accountability level. Previously, I think we could satisfy ourselves with what is known domestically. Now we need to rise to a standard that is set more internationally.”
The bridge was built when Veljko Paunovic came over to London to have lunch with the former German international who played for 13 seasons at Bayern Munich as well.
“The conversation was so spontaneous, so natural and so inspiring for both sides,” Paunovic recalled. “At one point it became a very personal conversation. I think that also helped for both sides to understand how we can help each other and how much value we can get from this for both sides.
“In the locker room, he will be a huge example of a champion. He still is somebody that can show that on the field and (demonstrate) how our guys have to work, prepare, behave, think and work together in order to get to that level.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great,” Schweinsteiger said in a statement via the club. “My move to Chicago Fire is no different. Through my conversations with Nelson and Pauno, I’m convinced by the club’s vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project.”
THOUGHTS: This will undoubtedly bring some attention and excitement to the Fire which have had neither about them in recent years. When Nelson Rodriguez sought a player who has played in the big moments and won in them, this was he had in mind. Schweinsteiger has won a World Cup with Germany, a European Cup with Bayern Munich as well as several Bundesliga titles.
The obvious question about form will arise as well how he would fit in a lineup that already included Dax McCarty and Juninho in midfield. Plus, there’s the question of whether the Fire will now focus on getting upgrades on the defensive side of the formation (especially after last Saturday’s loss to Atlanta).
The ride has just gotten more exciting for the Chicago Fire. The club already got some buzz for signing McCarty and Juninho in the offseason, but that pales to the buzz that is going to come when Bastian Schweinsteiger arrives in Chicago soon.
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