Chicago Fire Sign 15-Year-Old Robert Turdean

The Chicago Fire have made a little bit of history as they’ve added a young piece to the first-team fold as they prepare for the 2025 Major League Soccer season.

Chicago signed 15-year-old Robert Turdean to a Homegrown contract that will run through the 2028 season with club options for 2029 and 2030. The deal is a club record for a Homegrown signing and the second-largest Homegrown player contract in MLS history. The news of the deal was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Turdean is now the youngest signing in club history at only 15 years and eight days old. He’s represented the United States at the U-15 level and remains eligible for Romania’s national team. Turdean’s coach at his most recent USMNT U-15 camp was Tom Heinemann, who is now an assistant coach with the Fire’s first team under Gregg Berhalter.

“Signing my first professional contract with the Fire is a dream come true, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” said Turdean in the announcement. “I want to thank my family, coaches, and teammates who have supported me along the way. I’m excited to continue growing with the Fire and will work hard every day to make the club and the city of Chicago proud. I can't wait to get started and contribute to the team’s future success.”

Joe’s Thoughts:

Robert Turdean is one of the most exciting prospects that any professional team in Chicago has ever had.

Getting this Homegrown deal at 15 says a lot, but Fire fans should also remain patient with their teenage midfielder. Realistically, Turdean will spend much of 2025 with Chicago Fire II and likely find himself on the bench for the first-team cup matches and a handful of MLS matches.

Regardless, Turdean is someone for any MLS fan to keep an eye on as his professional career begins.