2024 Chicago Fire in Review: Arnaud Souquet

Arnaud Souquet made the most of his 2024 MLS season with the Chicago Fire after the club tried to offload his contract ahead of his second season with the team.

The French defender started the season on the outside of the roster, his first competitive minutes of 2024 came for Fire II, and he didn’t make his first MLS appearance of the year until April. That wasn't enough production for a defender in the second season of a three-year deal that paid him over $600,000 in 2024.

Souquet finally got his starting spot back for good in June when then-head coach Frank Klopas shifted the French defender to the right center back spot in his back five. He then became a mainstay in the lineup for the rest of the season at that spot.

Despite looking for a new club ahead of the 2024 MLS season, Souquet’s MLS appearances (26) and minutes (1,868) increased year-over-year. He was exploited at times by opposing attackers, particularly those who were fleet of foot, and Souquet would be best suited for a bench role moving forward if he remains in Chicago. His salary isn’t commiserate with a bench role, but that’s the reality the Fire have to deal with after giving him a large salary when he joined on a free transfer ahead of the 2023 season.

The new front office in Chicago will definitely be looking at all options regarding Souquet’s role with the club in 2025.