Chicago Fire Sign Midfielder Dje D'Avilla From Portugal's UD Leiria

The Chicago Fire have added a new face to the locker room to help the depth issues at midfield that have plagued the club throughout their first five matches of the 2025 MLS season

Chicago signed midfielder Dje D’Avilla from UD Leiria in Portugal’s second tier of soccer, Liga Portugal 2.

News of D’Avilla’s move to Chicago was first reported by A Bola in Portugal.

D’Avilla will occupy a U22 Initiative Slot and an international roster spot while his contract with Chicago will run through the 2028 MLS season with a club option for 2029.

“We’re really looking forward to having Dje join us here in Chicago,” said Chicago Fire FC director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter in the club’s announcement of the signing. “He’s an exciting player who has quite a bit of experience despite his young age, having already played in important matches in multiple leagues around the world. We’re confident that his quality and presence in the midfield will be a tremendous asset to the group.”

D’Avilla, who turns 22 in May, has made 23 league appearances for UD Leiria this season after spending half of last season on loan with Coimbra in Portugal’s third tier before rejoining Leiria at the beginning of 2024.

D’Avilla signed his first professional deal with Stella Club d’Adjaméin the Ivory Coast and signed with fellow Ivorian side LS Attécoube in 2020 before joining Al Hilal United in the UAE in 2021, where he played until signing with Leiria in the 2022 summer transfer window.

D’Avilla reportedly had a €15 release clause on his contract after signing a long-term extension with Leiria in 2024.

Joe’s thoughts:

The Fire needed another body in the midfield room, and D’Avilla is the type of talent who should be ready to play MLS minutes once he arrives. D’Avilla was linked to a move to English Championship side Leeds United in January, but Chicago has beaten the EFL side to the Ivorian midfielder’s signature and he will be with the Fire in 2025.

This front office already has a good track record when bringing in young talent from the lower leagues in Portugal as right back Leonardo Barroso is already a starter after joining the Fire in the offseason.

Another U22 Initiative signing, D’Avilla is expected to be an impact player once he gets comfortable in MLS.

Considering the early season injuries to Brian Gutiérrez and Kellyn Acosta, D’Avilla is a welcome addition to Chicago’s roster.

What’s On Tap Next?

The Fire will be in New Jersey to take on the New York Red Bulls on April 5. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.