The Chicago Fire’s front office have had a busy week preparing for the 2018 MLS season. After a quiet start to the new year, the third week of January may go down as an all-time formative period for the franchise. After re-signing Bastian Schweinsteiger at midweek, the Men In Red drafted prospects in positions of need. The Fire traded to Minnesota’s fifth overall pick up from 15. The move saw goalkeeper Matt Lampson go to Minnesota along with $175,000 in allocation money. In the midst of all this comes the big news, the dealing of star winger David Accam to the Philadelphia Union for over a million dollars of allocation monies.
NEWS: #cf97 has acquired $1.2 million in Allocation Money ($900K TAM, $300K GAM) from @PhilaUnion in exchange for David Accam.
All the best to @iamdavidaccam in his career. Thanks for all you gave the club over 3 seasons in Chicago 👊 pic.twitter.com/qIzqDZF7jQ
— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) January 19, 2018
David Accam Draft Day Trade Highlights Big Day for Chicago Fire
News came thick and fast Friday when soccer writer Paul Tenorio broke the news that Accam was headed to the Union. The departure of the Ghanian danger man will be tough for many in the Fire faithful as the Ghanian was the lone star during two of his three seasons in Chicago. Accam’s form saw all-time highs during the Fire’s resurgent 2017 season as he netted an MLS career high 14 goals. The player also known as ‘King David’ appeared in 78 games over three seasons for the Fire, tallying a total 33 goals and 15 assists.
Seeing Accam depart from Chicago is not all too surprising, however. There was publicly obvious discord between him and head coach Veljko Paunovic. The row over the All-Star snub, benchings and contract saga and other issues were enough to make a change. The surprising part of the move is seeing the player depart within MLS, and to a notably passive Philadelphia franchise no less. Accam had been linked to moves abroad in each transfer window during his time in the league and had expressed interest in playing in Europe again.
With the departure of a top player, one may assume general manager Nelson Rodriguez has a big card up his sleeve. Alternatively, perhaps he just received an offer he couldn’t refuse. The MLS allocation money is currently in high demand by MLS teams. Trading a star for $1.2 million in MLS money speaks to that point, perhaps valuing the TAM and GAM higher than money from the open market.
More Moves To Come?
As of 4pm ET on Friday, the Chicago Fire off-season to date stands as so: Fire signed Homegrown defender Grant Lillard, re-signed Dax McCarty and Bastian Schweinsteiger, acquired right back Rafael Ramos and drafted in positions of need. Departing from the Men In Red: homegrown prospect attacking midfielder Lindley declined his deal, goalkeepers Jorge Bava, Matt Lampson, and star winger David Accam all departed.
NEWS: #cf97 has announced GK Matt Lampson as the player included in the trade with @MNUFC.
Our club thanks @LampStrong for his incredible contributions on and off the field in Chicago. Best of luck in the future! 💪 pic.twitter.com/9Ye4pkdjeb
— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) January 19, 2018
