Chicago Fire sign Robert Beric to Designated Player contract

Robert Berić didn’t turn around and fly back to Europe after experiencing a Chicago snowstorm. That’s a good sign.

After a week of buzz and rumors floating around, Chicago Fire FC announced today Berić, the Slovenia National Team striker, joins the club via a transfer from AS Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1.

He’s the club’s first Designated Player signing of 2020, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa. It’s a two year deal with a club option for the 2022 season.

“We are very excited to add Robert to our roster ahead of the upcoming season,” said Chicago Fire FC Head Coach Raphael Wicky said in the club’s press release. “Robert is hard-working, intelligent number nine who has the ability to score goals at a high rate. We are looking forward to welcoming him and his family to Chicago.”

Berić is 28, and he joins the Fire after 330 appearances in the top divisions in Slovenia, Austria and France. He’s tallied 122 goals in his career, including 12 in the Europa League and four in the Champions League. At the international level, Berić has 25 caps for the Slovenia National Team.

“I’m very happy to be in Chicago, and I think this is going to be a great new era for the Fire,” Berić said in the release. “I am looking forward to getting to work with my new teammates and starting the new season.”

At Saint-Étienne, Berić scored 34 goals in 81 appearances across all competitions. He also spent time on loan with Anderlecht in the Belgian first division.

Berić will occupy an international roster slot on the Fire’s 2020 roster.

As he left France, Berić was sent off with well wishes on Instagram from several of his now-former teammates.

So what do we think about our newest designated player? Let us know in the comments.