Chicago Fire Sign Javier Casas to New Contract

The Chicago Fire continued to make moves ahead of the 2024 Major League Soccer season, announcing Sunday that they have signed Homegrown midfielder Javier Casas to a new contract.

The new pact keeps Casas in Chicago through the 2024 MLS season with the Fire maintaining contract options for 2025 and 2026.

News of the Fire signing Casas to a new contract was first reported by MenInRed97’s Alex Calabrese.

“Javier’s talent, determination and potential as a young Academy player originally set him apart when he signed as a Homegrown Player in 2020,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz in the announcement. “He has been unfortunate with some long-term injuries, but even so, those traits are evident in his performances and training sessions with the first team as well as with Chicago Fire II, and we are excited to see him contribute to the Club in 2024.”

Casas’ 2023 campaign was hampered by a few injuries, limiting him to only three appearances and 55 minutes played in MLS last season. Casas made 11 appearances (10 starts) for Chicago Fire II in 2023 and started in the reserve team’s playoff game in the fall. The Addison native represented the United States at the 2023 Pan-American Games.

Analysis

This move was expected after the Fire announced they were negotiating a new deal with Casas when the club released its roster decisions after the 2023 season. The Fire have spent many years developing their 17th Homegrown signing and he’s only managed to play 149 minutes in MLS play since turning pro as a 16-year-old in 2020. To give up on his immense talent before he turns 21 would have been a waste and Chicago still maintained long-term flexibility with team options in 2025 and 2026.

Casas could be the breakout star for the Fire in 2024 if he can stay on the pitch.