Colombian striker Cristian Nazarit has transfered from Bogota team Santa Fe to The Fire, the Chicago club announced Wednesday.
The Fire’s contract with the 20-year old Cali native took effect immediately and Nazarit is expected to take part in Thursday’s training session.
The native of Cali, Colombia, at one point was nicknamed the “Colombian Eto’o” when rumors of international interest surfaced from big clubs in Europe. He has played for Santa Fe in Colombia since 2008, scoring 16 goals in 42 appearances before his contract expired with the club in January of this year.
The player, who was connected with moves to Argentina and MLS during the offseason, was available to be acquired outside of the MLS international transfer window due to the fact that he was unattached.
“Cristian brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Chicago Fire,” Fire technical director Frank Klopas said in a club statement. “The Colombian target forward has pace, strikes the ball well and is able to play with his back to goal. His size and offensive abilities make him a positive addition to our team.”
According to several U.S. media, Nazarit is the 17th Colombian player to be playing for a U.S. side.