CHICAGO(July 29, 2016) – The Chicago Fire announced Friday that the club has acquired Targeted Allocation Money and the natural third round selection in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft from D.C. United in exchange for Nigerian striker Kennedy Igboananike. Igboananike will continue to be classified as a Designated Player on Chicago’s roster and budget in 2016 and Chicago will retain a percentage of any future transfer fee if the player is transferred outside of the league in 2016.
“Moves like this are needed in order to execute our plan for roster development,” said general manager Nelson Rodriguez. “Kennedy puts his heart into his work and has served this club well. We wish him the best in D.C. and wherever his career leads him.”
Signed as a Designated Player on Dec. 2, 2014, the Nri-Igbo, Nigeria native appeared in 49 MLS regular season matches over the course of two seasons, scoring 11 goals and adding four assists. Additionally, the 27-year-old scored two goals and tallied one assist in six Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches.
The Men in Red return to action when they host the New York Red Bulls at Toyota Park on Sunday, July 31 at 6 p.m. CT (CSN/CSN+/97.5 FM Poder).
Full Name: Chibuike Kennedy Igboananike
Position: Forward
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 155 lbs.
Born: Feb. 26, 1989
Place of Birth: Nri-Igbo, Nigeria
Citizenship: Nigeria and Sweden
Departed: Traded to D.C. United on July 29, 2016
