Chicago Fire acquire Ivory Coast M Dje D'Avilla

Field Level Media|published: 04/01/2025, 11:53am EDT

Sep 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view of the game balls before the game between D.C. United and Chicago Fire FC at SeatGeek Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images

The Chicago Fire acquired midfielder Dje D'Avilla from Portuguese second-division side UD Leiria on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old Ivory Coast native is under contract through 2028 with a club option for 2029 and will occupy U22 initiative and international roster slots.

"He's an exciting player who has quite a bit of experience despite his young age, having already played in important matches in multiple leagues around the world," Fire coach Gregg Berhalter said. "We're confident that his quality and presence in the midfield will be a tremendous asset to the group."

D'Avilla played in more than 50 matches over the past three seasons with UD Leiria and has also spent time on loan with Portugal's Academica Coimbra and the UAE's Al Hilal United.

--Field Level Media