Sporting Kansas City Acquires Defender Justin Reynolds from Chicago Fire: A Promising Addition to the Team
Sporting Kansas City has recently acquired defender Justin Reynolds from the Chicago Fire in a trade deal that involved a third-round pick in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft and up to $100,000 in general allocation money. As part of the agreement, Sporting KC has agreed to pay the Fire a percentage of the transfer fee if Reynolds is permanently transferred to a team outside of MLS. Reynolds, who is 21 years old, has been a part of the Chicago Fire Academy, second team, and first team, and has made significant contributions to the club.
Chicago Fire's head coach and director of football, Gregg Berhalter, expressed his gratitude towards Reynolds for his dedication and performance during his time with the club. Reynolds, a homegrown player in the Chicago system, officially joined the Fire's first team on January 1, 2023, and also had a stint with Chicago's sister club, FC Lugano, during the 2023-24 Swiss Super League season. In his time with the Fire, Reynolds made 12 MLS appearances, including two starts, and scored a crucial game-winning goal against Inter Miami CF on September 30, 2025, securing the Fire's first postseason appearance since 2017.
Additionally, Reynolds was part of the Fire's U-19 Academy team that emerged victorious in the inaugural MLS NEXT Championship in 2021. His experience and skills on the field have been instrumental in the success of the Chicago Fire, and his transfer to Sporting Kansas City marks a new chapter in his career. Sporting KC is excited to have Reynolds on board and looks forward to his continued growth and development as both a player and an individual. The acquisition of Reynolds adds depth and talent to Sporting KC's roster, enhancing their defensive capabilities and overall performance in the upcoming seasons.