Chicago Fire Reload Roster with Four Additions for Stretch Run
Chicago Fire FC made a major push to strengthen its roster around the close of the MLS Secondary Transfer Window, bringing in four players who add experience, versatility and depth for the stretch run of the 2026 season.
The Fire acquired American winger Johan Gómez, Georgian midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili, Norwegian defender Andreas Hanche-Olsen and defender Noah Allen, giving Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter reinforcements throughout the lineup.
Johan Gómez Returns to U.S. After European Run
One of Chicago’s most intriguing additions is Johan Gómez, a 25-year-old winger from Arlington, Texas.
The Fire acquired Gómez on a permanent transfer from German 2. Bundesliga side Eintracht Braunschweig. His contract runs through the 2028-29 season with a club option for 2029-30.
Gómez arrives with extensive professional experience despite his relatively young age.
He made 99 appearances across all competitions for Braunschweig, recording four goals and nine assists. Overall, Gómez has accumulated around 200 appearances in the United States and Europe.
His European career also included stops with FC Porto B in Portugal and FSV Zwickau in Germany.
Gómez represented the United States at the U-20 and U-23 levels and earned seven caps with two goals for the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team.
Berhalter specifically pointed to Gómez’s versatility as one of the qualities that attracted Chicago to the winger.
Anzor Mekvabishvili Adds International Experience
Chicago also strengthened its midfield with Anzor Mekvabishvili, acquiring the Georgian international from Romanian club Universitatea Craiova.
Mekvabishvili signed through the 2028-29 season with a club option for 2029-30. His addition is pending completion of the necessary medical and immigration requirements.
The move gives Chicago another player with experience at both the international level and in European competition.
Berhalter described Mekvabishvili as a proven competitor and believes his experience can become an important asset for the Fire.
Andreas Hanche-Olsen Strengthens the Back Line
The Fire also went to the German Bundesliga to bolster their defense.
Chicago acquired Norwegian international Andreas Hanche-Olsen from Mainz 05 on a permanent transfer.
Hanche-Olsen signed a long-term deal running through the 2030-31 season, signaling that the veteran defender is more than a short-term addition for Chicago.
He brings experience from one of Europe’s top leagues along with international and European competition experience.
Berhalter highlighted Hanche-Olsen’s leadership, professionalism and competitive mentality when Chicago announced the signing.
The addition gives the Fire another experienced option in central defense as Chicago prepares for the most important portion of its schedule.
Noah Allen Arrives From Inter Miami
Chicago’s other defensive addition is a player already very familiar with Major League Soccer.
The Fire acquired 22-year-old Noah Allen on loan from Inter Miami CF through the remainder of the 2026 season. Chicago also holds an option to acquire him permanently following the season. Allen will occupy a U22 Initiative roster slot.
Despite being only 22, Allen brings significant MLS experience.
A product of the Inter Miami Academy, Allen signed a Homegrown contract in 2022 and developed into an important member of Miami’s first team.
He was part of Miami’s 2023 Leagues Cup championship, 2024 Supporters’ Shield and 2025 MLS Cup teams, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in the MLS Cup Final.
Allen also has international experience. He played for the United States at the U-20 level before completing a one-time switch to represent Greece and has since appeared for the Greek U-21 national team.
His versatility could be particularly valuable for Chicago’s defense during the stretch run.
Fire Reshape Roster for the Run-In
The four additions give Berhalter several new options.
Gómez provides another attacking weapon on the wing.
Mekvabishvili strengthens the midfield with European and international experience.
Hanche-Olsen brings an experienced presence to central defense.
And Allen gives Chicago a young, versatile defender who already knows what it takes to win trophies in MLS.
Gómez and Allen were already available for selection during Chicago’s 4-4 draw at Toronto on September 5, appearing among the substitutes.
Chicago’s moves also came as part of a broader reshaping of the roster. The Fire moved several players out around the deadline while committing to key pieces of the squad, including signing Philip Zinckernagel to a Designated Player contract.
With the regular season entering its decisive stretch, Chicago isn’t simply adding bodies.
The Fire have added players with Bundesliga, European competition, international and MLS championship experience — strengthening a team looking to turn its strong 2026 campaign into a postseason run.