The Chicago Fire FC announced Wednesday that they had signed goalkeeper Jeff Gal on a free transfer from Swedish top-flight team Degerfors IF.
Gal is signed with Chicago until the 2023 MLS season, with club options for 2024 and 2025.
Along with Spencer Richey, the 29-year-old Chicago native provides the Fire with another seasoned goalkeeper. After another academy product and US youth international standout Gaga Slonina moved to English Premier League side Chelsea this winter, they had native Chris Brady prepared to start.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to his hometown club,” stated Chicago sporting director Georg Heitz in a statement. “He has pursued a unique path in his career and established himself at a high level in Europe over the past several years.
“Chicago has a strong history at the goalkeeper position, and his expertise will be a terrific help to our group of goalkeepers as they continue to compete for critical game minutes.”
Gal spent his whole career in Sweden, appearing in 75 games across all leagues and competitions. He began his career at Lidköpings FK before joining BK Forward on a free transfer in 2017. He formerly played for Skövde AIK before joining Degerfors in July 2019.
Gal played two seasons of college soccer at Creighton before transferring to Virginia before moving to Sweden. He was a young soccer player for the MLS NEXT club Chicago Sockers.
Chicago is in their second season under head coach Ezra Hendrickson, and they are aiming for their first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance since 2017. They’ll kick off the 2017 season on Matchday 2 against New York City FC (8:30 p.m. ET | MLS Season Pass).
