The latest striker to be connected to the Chicago Fire is Sherjill MacDonald. The Dutch forward is currently with Germinal Beerschot but is rumored to be interested in Chicago. Since the MLS transfer window opens on June 27, the number of rumors will only increase.
Sherjill MacDonald
Sherjill MacDonald's name has been added to the growing list of international players who have been linked to the Chicago Fire. The 27-year-old forward has been playing soccer professionally since 2002. His current club is Germinal Beerschot, but he also played for Anderlecht, Heracles Almelo, West Bromwich Albion, Hereford United, Roeselare and others. MacDonald has spent a large portion of his career on loan to clubs. During his time with Germinal Beerschot, he has had 82 appearances and 15 goals.
MacDonald has never played for MLS, so it is difficult to assess how he will fit in with the Chicago Fire. He is younger than some of the international players who have been associated with the team recently. His status with Germinal Beerschot may also mean that the Fire will have to pay a transfer fee for him.
Is the Team Really Interested?
The waiver of Kheli Dube has opened a striker position on the team. The Chicago Fire have not hidden their search for another forward, so this move is not surprising. However, the team is constantly linked to different international players without any results. The latest rumor may not become a reality.
I think the Chicago Fire are searching for a striker who is capable of filling some of the gaps on the team. The addition of Chris Rolfe earlier this season has already improved the roster, so they may be looking for someone to fulfill a different role. In MLS, it is crucial to have diversity and options. Rolfe's injury several days after arriving in Chicago revealed the necessity of not relying on one player to save the team.
If the Chicago Fire are interested in signing Sherjill MacDonald, then fans can expect more changes on the roster. MacDonald would be considered an international player by MLS, and Chicago is already at its limit of eight. The team will have to sacrifice someone else to add Sherjill MacDonald because Dube had a green card and was not considered an international player.
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Lana follows MLS, UEFA and FIFA. She has been a faithful fan of the Chicago Fire since 1998. Follow @Lana_Bandoim on Twitter.
