Chicago Fire signs Jack Elliott to fix defense under new coach Gregg Berhalter | OneFootball

Chicago Fire FC has announced the signing of the experienced defender Jack Elliott, previously playing for Philadelphia Union, to restructure the team ahead of 2025. The English defender arrives on a contract secured through 2025 with an option for 2026. He will, without doubt, play an integral part in new head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter's system.

Jack Elliott doesn't come to Chicago based on his resume, but because of the strength of his performances over the last eight years with Philadelphia Union. The defender played 234 matches across the regular season and MLS Cup Playoffs, scoring 12 goals and providing 9 assists-impressive numbers for a center-back. Elliott brings with him a history of success. While at Philadelphia, he won the Supporters' Shield in 2020, reached the MLS Cup final in 2022, and went to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals in 2021 and 2023. That experience, especially in key matches, made him a big target for Fire as they seek to rebuild with dependable players.

Greg Berhalter emphasized Elliott's importance to the team: "Jack's arrival immediately strengthens our team. He brings extensive MLS experience, technical ability, and defensive leadership." With Rafael Czichos leaving after the 2024 campaign, Chicago needed someone to anchor and reorganize their defense. At 29 years old, Elliott is well-suited to fill that role.

Experience and immediate impact at Chicago Fire

Over the last couple of years, Jack Elliott has become a mainstay for Philadelphia Union, impressing most with his consistency and solidity at the back. His partnership with Jakob Glesnes formed one of the strongest and most consistent defensive duos in MLS. At Chicago Fire, Elliott joins defenders Tobias Salquist, Carlos Terán, and Mauricio Pineda. While it's far too early to say whether he's a sure thing to start, Berhalter has made it clear: He sees Elliott as the technical and tactical tone-setter for a defensive unit very much in need of massive improvement.

For his part, the player expressed his excitement with this new opportunity: "I'm genuinely excited about this next chapter at Chicago Fire. I believe in the vision this organization does for the future."

Jack Elliott's optimism goes along with Chicago Fire's moment of transition. After finishing last season 15th in the Eastern Conference with only 30 points, the club now aims to start a new era under Berhalter with more competitiveness. Now that he has taken over, Berhalter begins a new cycle with the ambition of bringing Chicago Fire back to the MLS Cup Playoffs, something that hasn't happened for seven consecutive seasons.