Chicago Fire FC acquired winger Maren Haile-Selassie on loan from Swiss Super League club FC Lugano through the 2023 season with an option to purchase.

The Fire also announced earlier Tuesday morning that they parted ways with defender Jhon Espinoza. The club labeled the transaction as a mutual decision designed to allow Espinoza to make a permanent move to FC Lugano.

Haile-Selassie, 23, will occupy an international spot on the Fire’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate.

“We are pleased to welcome Maren to the Fire and look forward to integrating him into the group,” Fire sporting director Georg Heitz said. “We have watched his development during the past year at FC Lugano and believe that he will be a great fit in Chicago and provide us pace on the wings, which is a priority for us this offseason.”

Haile-Selassie scored a goal in FC Lugano’s 4-1 victory over St. Gallen in the Swiss Cup Final this past season. He has appeared in 199 matches across all competitions, including 63 in the Super League.

Espinoza, 23, will join Lugano after the European transfer window opens on Sunday.

“We thank Jhon for his contributions to the Club over the last two seasons,” Heitz said. “Jhon is an excellent young player with great potential and this move will allow him to continue his development in a competitive European league. We wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter with FC Lugano.”

Espinoza has recorded one assist in 39 career MLS matches (11 starts) with the Fire over the past two seasons. He was acquired by Chicago via transfer from S.D. Aucas in Ecuador.

–Field Level Media