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The Chicago Fire have a new midfielder. Head Coach and Technical Director Gregg Berhalter made his first move of the summer MLS transfer window, by signing FC Porto midfielder André Franco through the 2025 season with an option to purchase. Franco will occupy an international roster position with the Fire. Per Club and MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Franco, 27, joins Chicago from Porto, where he has appeared in 71 matches overall and scored five goals across all competitions since 2022. During his time with Porto, Franco helped to guide the team to the Portuguese Cup title twice (2023, 2024) as well as Primeira Liga title in the 2022-23 season and the Portuguese Super Cup in 2025. He was also a member of the Porto side that qualified for and participated in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, making an appearance in the team’s opening match against Brazilian side Palmeiras.
“I’m very happy to join the Chicago Fire and can’t wait to wear the jersey and begin playing with our colors,” said Franco. “I hope it’s the beginning of a wonderful journey and that we can achieve all our goals together.”
Name: André Franco
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 161 lbs
Date of Birth: April 12, 1998
Hometown: Lisbon, Portugal
Birthplace: Lisbon, Portugal
Citizenship: Portugal
Last Club: FC Porto
THOUGHTS:
This is a really solid signing for the Fire, with legitimate upside. He’s still pretty young and in his prime at 27, with significant European experience at a prominent club. Franco should find his way into the lineup quickly. The Fire have needed help in the midfield with injuries and uneven play at the position. The Fire already do have a Portuguese player on the roster in Leonardo Barroso, plus assistant coach Filipe Celikkaya, who is of Portuguese descent and had a long playing and coaching career in Portugal. Both should be great resources for Franco in his adjustment to Chicago and the club.
