The Club acquires a third-round pick in the 2028 SuperDraft in exchange for the Chicago native
CHICAGO (December 30, 2025) — Chicago Fire FC has traded defender Justin Reynolds to Sporting Kansas City in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft and up to $100,000 in General Allocation Funds (GAM), dependent on performance incentives. The Fire will also retain a percentage of any future transfer fee should Sporting KC sell Reynolds to a club outside of Major League Soccer.
“Justin has represented his hometown admirably during his time in the Chicago fire Academy, second and first teams,†saeid Gregg Berhalter, Chicago Fire FC Director of Soccer and Technical Director.“We thank him for his contributions to the Club and look forward to watching him continue to grow and develop as a player and as a person.â€
Reynolds,21,initially joined the Fire’s First Team on an Academy Player contract on January 1,2023,becoming the club’s 24th homegrown player and the 10th since January 2020. Before reaching the First Team, he played for Chicago Fire FC II during the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season and was a key member of the Chicago Fire U-19 Academy team that won the inaugural MLS NEXT championship in 2021. His only goal for the club proved pivotal,securing a 1-0 victory against Inter Miami CF on September 30,2025,and earning the Fire their first postseason berth since 2017.
The Chicago-born defender spent part of the 2023—24 season on loan with FC Lugano in March 2024, gaining experience in the Swiss Super League. Reynolds has also represented the United States at the youth international level, featuring for the under-19 and under-15 national teams.
Did you know? Reynolds is the 10th Chicago Fire Academy product to join the First Team since January 2020, highlighting the club’s commitment to homegrown talent.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC has acquired Sporting Kansas City’s 2028 MLS superdraft third-round natural pick and up to $100,000 in General Allocation Funds (GAM) if certain performance-based incentives are met, in exchange for Academy Award-winning defender Justin Reynolds.
Name: Justin Reynolds
Position: Defense
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 165 lbs.
Date of birth: august 4, 2004
Hometown: Chicago
Birthplace: Chicago
Citizenship: USA
Reader question What impact will losing Reynolds have on the Fire’s defensive depth heading into the 2026 season?
