The Chicago Fire have confirmed that Wells Thompson has been signed by the team. The midfielder has left the Colorado Rapids for a "conditional draft pick." As the MLS roster freeze date approaches, the Fire are making changes to bolster the team. Although I would have preferred a new forward, Chicago still has time left before the Sept. 15 deadline to sign one.
Wells Thompson is in Chicago
Wells Thompson has already arrived in Chicago and will be available for selection at the Sept. 12 match with Toronto FC. He has spent three seasons with the Colorado Rapids and has been with MLS since 2007. The 28-year-old midfielder has a combined total of 146 appearances with 7 goals. Thompson seems thrilled with the transfer and has posted a picture of the Chicago Fire locker room with his new uniform. On his official Facebook page, he indicated that he plans to travel with the team to BMO Field for the Sept. 12 game.
The Chicago Fire Add Another Midfielder
The addition of another midfielder is a surprising move for the Chicago Fire. Most fans expected the team's focus to stay on finding a strong forward. Although the Fire have been searching for a replacement attacking midfielder since Sebastian Grazzini, this is not Wells Thompson's style. He will provide more depth for the midfield and another option if a player is injured. However, he is not a replacement for Grazzini.
Wells Thompson is rumored to have asked for the transfer to Chicago because he was unsatisfied with the amount of time that he was able to play. This situation is not likely to improve for him with the Fire since the team has multiple options in the midfield. Thompson may find himself as a substitute who becomes a frequent part of the bench.
Is it Over?
The Chicago Fire still have time before the official MLS roster freeze on Sept. 15, so the addition of Wells Thompson may not be the final transfer to occur. I hope that the team is considering more strikers because the midfield seems to have enough similar options.
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Lana follows MLS, UEFA and FIFA. She has been a faithful fan of the Chicago Fire since 1998. Follow @Lana_Bandoim on Twitter.
