Gaston Gimenez signs new two-year contract with Chicago Fire
By Chris Smith
The Chicago Fire have announced a new deal for midfielder Gaston Gimenez that will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2023.
Gimenez originally joined the Fire from Argentine side Velez Sarsfield in February 2020 on a two-year deal. He's since made 43 appearances for the club, scoring twice and providing a further four assists.
The 30-year-old's contract was due to expire at the end of next year and sources tell 90min the Paraguay international midfielder has been the constant subject of transfer interest in recent months, but by negotiating a new contract, the Fire no longer risk losing him for free.
90min also understands that should an opportunity arise that is the right fit for both the club and player, Chicago would negotiate that they have bargaining power with the new deal. But for now, Gimenez - who will continue to occupy a Designated Player spot - is thought to be looking forward to a fresh start under new head coach Ezra Hendrickson.
A source also informed that there is "absolutely no truth" to the rumors circulating on social media that Gimenez has been turning up late to training.
“I’m very grateful and excited to continue representing the Chicago Fire,” Giménez in an official club press release. “The club has shown their confidence in me, and it is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I look forward to giving the best version of myself for our fans and the city of Chicago.”
Sporting Director Georg Heitz has high expectations of Gimenez in 2022 as the Fire seek to return to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017.
“Gastón is highly motivated to help lead the Fire back into the playoffs,” he said. “He will benefit from a new start under Ezra Hendrickson and will partner with Federico Navarro to form one of the best and hardest working midfields in MLS next season. We have high expectations for Gastón and are confident that he will deliver for the Club.”
The announcement of Gimenez's new deal comes just as the Fire have sold Argentine forward Ignacio Aliseda to partner club FC Lugano.