Federico Navarro’s Chicago Fire exit sparks debate over a risky 2025 roster overhaul | OneFootball

The announcement of the transfer of Federico Navarro to Rosario Central, a first-division Argentine team, closes a chapter and opens the doors of reflection for Chicago Fire FC. It would appear that this American club has been chasing its first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs since 2017 and is taking steps to continue restructuring its roster. But are these what the team actually needs to return to where it was before?

At 24, Federico Navarro closes the curtains on his three-and-a-half-year spell in Chicago Fire FC with modest stats that clothe his importance to the team's midfield. With just 3 goals and 4 assists in 81 outings, Navarro may not have been an attacking force, but being a central midfielder, that wasn't really his job.

The decision for his release to Rosario Central is surrounded by words of thanks and comprehension. According to Chicago head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter, it is best that Navarro is going back home to Argentina, since it would do good to him and the Club. In turn, it offers the midfielder a chance to be close to his family, while giving the club the flexibility to make specific adjustments in their roster. However, it is fair to mention that Navarro was often a substitute player and had fewer starts during his time in the club.

A pattern of changes at Chicago Fire

Navarro isn't the only notable departure from the club in this transfer window. Another Under-22 Initiative player, forward Georgios Koutsias, was loaned to FC Lugano, while midfielder Gastón Giménez had his contract with the club mutually terminated. These exits beg a question: what exactly is Chicago Fire planning?

On one hand, these could mean the renovations of the squad and an optimization of the salary cap; on the other, they leave big gaps in terms of experience and depth, especially in midfield. Navarro brought balance with his transitional play and competitiveness to the team. And now, one can barely fill that gap.

It was Chicago Fire who last tasted the playoffs in six years, while the changes they do in their squad seem like to find out an alternative identification. Still, such profound efforts of reconstruction do face risks every now and then.

With the season opener against Columbus Crew just around the corner, the Fire need quick results. The success of these changes does not depend on just who was brought in, but also on creating a team ethos that is cohesive and competitive.

A test of ambition

It would have been, therefore, a well-thought move from both sides on the transfer of Federico Navarro to Rosario Central: for one, the possibility of restarts close to home and probably an important piece of the puzzle in the plans of Rosario; on the other hand, it gives another way for Chicago Fire to realign their roster to a brighter perspective.

Eventually, this decision will be justified if Navarro fares well in Argentina and Chicago Fire can use this period of transition to build a team that can finally break their playoff drought in 2025.