The scenario in which former Atletico Madrid right-back Juanfran ends up in Major League Soccer just got a lot more likely. After Nashville SC previously expressed interest in the 34-year-old Spaniard, Chicago Fire also decided to get into the race for the player.
ESPN reports that Fire already engaged in talks with Juanfran and is offering him a two-year deal. Chicago’s head coach Veljko Paunovic, who also spent part of his career in Madrid, has been personally communicating with the player and is pushing to get the deal done.
Juanfran is reportedly interested in coming to Chicago, but is also considering a two-year contract offer from Brazilian side Sao Paulo. According to sources, the player will decide on his future until the end of the week.
Nashville SC has been rumored as being a strong candidate in Juanfran sweepstakes, but it’s unclear whether the player is willing to play for an expansion team that is entering its inaugural season in 2020. Competitiveness of the club is reportedly high on the player’s list of priorities, something that might give Chicago Fire an edge in negotiations.
Juanfran started his career with Real Madrid, but never got the right opportunity with La Liga giants. He left Real in 2006 when he signed with Osasuna, where he established himself as one of the top right-backs in Spain.
After six years with Osasuna, Juanfran signed with Atletico Madrid in 2011 and has since played 243 games with the club winning La Liga title in the process.
