Fire sign M Robert Turdean, 15, to club-record deal

Field Level Media|published: Wed 22nd January, 11:38 2025

Sep 28, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA;General view of MLS ball before the match between the Charlotte FC and the Inter Miami CF at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Chicago Fire signed 15-year-old midfielder Robert Turdean to a club-record contract Wednesday.

The four-year guaranteed deal runs through 2008 with options for 2029-30. It is the largest homegrown deal in Fire history and the second largest in MLS history behind Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan. Terms were not disclosed.

At 15 years and eight days, Turdean is also the second-youngest signing in franchise history behind current Chelsea goalkeeper Gabriel "Gaga" Slonina (14 years, 297 days).

The youngest field player EVER to lace up his boots for Chicago.

Welcome to the squad, Robert ?? #cf97
— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) January 22, 2025

"We're very pleased to sign Robert to a club-record contract for a homegrown player. His growth within our Academy has been impressive, and we believe that he has a very high ceiling," said director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter.

"His decision to choose the Fire over major European clubs speaks volumes about the environment we're building and our commitment to developing local talent. We're excited to continue supporting his development as he takes the next step in his career."

Turdean joined the Chicago Fire Academy at age 11 in 2021. He scored two goals in a 3-1 victory over the LA Galaxy in the 2024 U-15 MLS NEXT Cup championship game in June.

--Field Level Media