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It would have been incredible, but it looks to be off.
Hot Time has learned the Chicago Fire pursued Mexican international Orbelin Pineda. Per a source, Pineda was very interested in the opportunity to join the Fire but is set on achieving his dream of playing in La Liga.
He’s been linked with Celta Vigo over the past few months, and one of his close friends and Mexican National Team teammates, Nestor Araujo, also plays for the Spanish side.
The Fire began speaking with Pineda and his reps about a move for 2022 within the last few months. His contract with Cruz Azul is set to expire in December, which will make him a free agent.
The Fire have club options for next season on the contracts of both Robert Berić and Gastón Giménez, meaning they could have two open designated player spots to work with in 2022, if they choose to let both players go. Because he’s an El Tri superstar, Pineda would be the kind of player that could have helped the Fire on the field, and boosted attendance numbers at the same time.