Former LA Galaxy midfielder Juninho is returning to Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire.
The Fire announced on Friday that they acquired the Brazilian midfielder on a year-long loan from Liga MX side Club Tijuana via the league's allocation order. The three-time MLS Cup champion spent the last year with the Xolos after seven previous seasons with the Galaxy.
Chicago's deal includes the option to purchase the former Galaxy midfielder's rights from Tijuana outright and extend his contract. To sign the Brazilian, the Fire traded general allocation money, the club’s natural second round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, and the No. 3 spot in the Allocation Ranking Order to Minnesota United FC in exchange for the No. 2 spot.
Juninho spent six seasons with the LA Galaxy, tallying 18 goals and 23 assists in 187 appearances, helping Los Angeles win three MLS Cups. The 27-year-old midfielder made 24 appearances with Club Tijuana during his year-long stint with the Mexican club while scoring two goals and adding a pair of assists.
