Jhon Espinoza leaves Chicago Fire to join FC Lugano | OneFootball

The Chicago Fire have announced defender Jhon Espinoza has agreed to a mutual parting of ways with the club.

Espinoza has left to join Swiss Super League side FC Lugano upon the opening of the January transfer window in a move that sees him change between two clubs owned by Joe Mansueto.

“We thank Jhon for his contributions to the club over the last two seasons,” Fire sporting director Georg Heitz said in a club press release.

“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.”

The 23-year-old Ecuadorian - capped twice by his country - joined Chicago from SC Aucas in his homeland two years ago. Since then, he's gone on to make 40 appearances for the club across all competitions, providing one assist.

Espinoza's departure could leave Chicago short at right-back, with the club's only other current senior option, Boris Sekulic, currently out of contract.

The Fire will now continue to plan for their second full season under head coach Ezra Hendrickson, who is aiming to guide the club back into the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017.