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Former U.S. Men’s National Team defender Eric Lichaj is looking for a new home, after Hull City announced this week he won’t be coming back. Lichaj, 31, had served as Hull City’s captain this season.
Lichaj is originally from Downers Grove, and played for Chicago Fire youth teams growing up, before going on to play for Aston Villa, Lincoln City, Leyton Orient, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. He joined his most recent club, Hull City, in 2018.
He has 16 caps with the USMNT, last appearing in 2018.
Lichaj hasn’t played for Hull since injuring his ankle in February, but he’s apparently healthy now. As a free agent, he’d be able to step in and play right away in the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando, which is 20 days away.
Would signing Lichaj make any sense for the Fire? On one hand, he’s a knowledgeable veteran who can help play a number of defensive positions—and he’s a local guy. On the other hand, he’s 31, which would make him the second-oldest player on the Fire’s back line, next to Jonathan Bornstein.
What do you think? Should the Fire make a play for Lichaj? Let us know in the comments.