The Chicago Fire are negotiating to keep former Germany and Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is out of contract following the 2017 MLS season.
Schweinsteiger joined the Fire in March and helped the club to a bounce-back campaign, as Chicago finished third in the Western Conference after back-to-back last-place finishes.
The club was eliminated in the first round of the MLS playoffs, losing 4-0 at home to the New York Red Bulls.
The 33-year-old scored three goals and added six assists in 24 games with the Fire, but was hampered by injuries down the stretch, making just one substitute appearance over the final two months of the season.
After his one-year deal came to an end, the Fire said Tuesday they were “continuing negotiations” with Schweinsteiger, who made $5.4 million in 2017.
“We remain optimistic that Basti and we will reach a mutually satisfactory agreement and that he will return,” Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez said earlier this month.
“I won’t put a timeline on it. I think Basti has proven his importance to our club and to our team and that remains a priority to bring him back.”
The Fire also announced they had declined to purchase the option on the loan for Juninho, who joined from Club Tijuana for the 2017 season.
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