The Chicago Fire, a team in Major League Soccer, has officially signed winger Jonathan Bamba from the Spanish club Celta Vigo. This agreement, reached on Tuesday, includes a three-year deal with an option for the team to extend the contract until 2028.

At 28 years old, Bamba played a crucial role in the Ivory Coast’s success during last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, contributing to their tournament victory. As a designated player, his salary and the costs associated with his acquisition will surpass the maximum budget charge of $743,750 established by the league.

Bamba’s career has seen him play for multiple clubs across Europe, including Saint-Etienne from 2015 to 2018, a brief stint at Paris FC in 2016, and spells with Sint-Truiden and Angers in the same year. He later joined Lille, where he played from 2018 until 2023, prior to his time at Celta Vigo.

This acquisition comes as the Fire prepare for a new season under the leadership of former U.S. national team coach Gregg Berhalter, who will be looking to make an impact on the squad as they enter this fresh chapter.