Chicago Fire sign Academy star Sergio Oregel, Jr. to Homegrown Player contact

The Chicago Fire have signed midfielder Sergio Oregel, Jr. to a Homegrown Player contract, sources tell Hot Time in Old Town.

It’s a four-year contract that begins January 1, 2022, and runs through the end of the 2025 season. The Fire are expected to officially announce the signing in the coming days.

Oregel, 16, is a central midfielder with an extremely high upside, who can play the No. 8 or the No. 10 roles depending on how he develops. His performances in training next year will determine whether he earns minutes for the first team. At a minimum he’ll play for the Fire’s U-23 team, which is already playing matches, but will officially launch next season as part of Major League Soccer’s new U-23 league.

Along with fellow Homegrown signing Missael Rodriguez, Oregel was a massive part of the Fire’s U-19 Academy team that won the MLS Next championship. He won the tournament’s Golden Ball, awarded to the most outstanding player. Sources at the club think very highly of Oregel, and are excited about his potential.

Internationally, he has represented the United States Youth National Teams.

With the signing, the Fire now have ten homegrowns under contract through next season: Oregel, Missael Rodriguez, Mauricio Pineda, Andre Reynolds II, Gabriel Slonina, Chris Brady, Alex Monis, Allan Rodriguez, Javier Casas, Jr., and Brian Gutierrez.