Frank Klopas: Would Be 'Great' if Maren Haile-Selassie Could Score 8-10 Goals in 2024

If you had given anyone around the Chicago Fire five guesses at who their top goal-scorer was going to be during the 2023 season, Maren Haile-Selassie wouldn’t have been a frequent answer.

The Swiss winger turned heads in his first season with the Fire while on loan from FC Lugano. Haile-Selassie scored six goals while largely playing out of position on the right wing, creating a positive enough impression on the Fire’s front office that they exercised their purchase option and brought him back long-term this offseason.

Fire head coach Frank Klopas liked what he saw from Haile-Selassie in the club's season opener in Pennsylvania but believes the winger, who turns 25 on March 13, can elevate his play even further in 2024.

“I think he can play even much better,” said Klopas during his weekly media availability. “I think that was a good game against (Kai) Wagner, a difficult, really good player on the left side against Philly. He gave him a lot of problems. He's a guy also in transition, with his pace and stuff like that, he can create a lot of problems.”

Haile-Selassie was the Fire’s most consistent attacking option against the Philadelphia Union, creating a handful of chances down the right flank while linking up with “new” teammate Allan Arigoni throughout the contest. Haile-Selassie completed 23/28 passes and had 47 touches (five in the Union’s penalty area) and five recoveries while generating 0.96 xG+xA (expected goals + expected assists, per FotMob) in Chester.

“I thought it was very good,” said Klopas. “I think also, with any new player that comes into a League, it takes time for them to adjust. It's not easy. You can see just now being here for one year, he knows the League now. And he's come in stronger and, for me, better, and you can tell he's worked a lot in the offseason. And (he’s) definitely a more confident player.”

Due to that improvement entering 2024, Klopas expects Haile-Selassie’s goal total to come close to double digits in his second MLS season.

“He's got an unbelievable ability to finish plays off, too. Last year he was our leading scorer. I think I can see the same production and even more this year. It would be great if he can get closer to eight to 10 goals.”

If Haile-Selassie can score at the rate Klopas desires, the Swiss winger’s value will skyrocket ahead of next year’s January transfer window. Since he joined the Fire on a transfer within Joe Mansueto-owned squads, any substantive transfer fee would be a major organizational win.