The lengthy battle between the Chicago Fire and Toronto FC for Brian McBride’s rights is over.
MLS commissioner Don Garber revealed at halftime of the MLS All-Star Game that the matter had been resolved between Toronto and Chicago, though no details of a deal were revealed. A source with knowledge of the trade discussions told SBI late on Thursday night that a deal has been agreed to, though details of the trade were unavailable.
The Chicago Tribune’s Luis Arroyave is reporting that the framework for a deal is in place, but it has not been agreed to yet.
One potential deal I heard of on Wednesday involved Toronto getting a package including Chad Barrett and either a draft pick or allocation. Toronto had been interested in Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe, but the club’s desperate need for forward help may force Mo Johnston to accept a deal involving Barrett. I haven’t received confirmation on that being the deal, but I have heard that it was an offer that was being discussed.
As for speculation that MLS forced a trade to happen, I have not heard anything suggesting that MLS stepped in to broker a deal.
McBride is currently with the U.S. Olympic Team, which will depart for Hong Kong on Friday for a pair of Olympic tune-up matches against Ivory Coast and Cameroon. McBride could join the Chicago Fire between mid to late August, depending on how far the United States advances in the Olympics. The Americans open Olympic play on Aug. 7 against Japan.
What do you think about McBride joining the Fire? Do you think Chad Barrett could be the answer to Toronto’s problems at striker? Share your thoughts below.