MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Acquire Senegalese Midfielder Khaly Thiam

Published on May 4, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO - The Chicago Fire announced Wednesday that the club has acquired midfielder Khaly Thiam on loan from MTK Budapest FC through the end of 2016. Thiam will be added to the Fire roster upon receipt of his ITC and P1 Visa. Thiam arrived in Chicago earlier this week and will train with the team on Thursday.

The Fire acquired the Discovery Priority on the player from Columbus Crew SC in exchange for Chicago's 2017 natural second round SuperDraft pick. However, pursuant to the trade agreement, if Thiam starts in 12 or more 2016 MLS regular season games, or if his loan is extended or successfully converted into a transfer following the 2016 season, Columbus will receive General Allocation Money instead of the SuperDraft pick.

"Khaly has a wide skill set that we believe will prove complementary to our current group," said Fire general manager Nelson Rodríguez. "He is good in possession, an effective ball winner and gets forward quite well. Importantly, he has a deep desire to triumph."

Thiam joins the Fire from Hungarian first division side MTK Budapest FC, who he has represented since July 2014. In two years, Thiam appeared in 47 matches, scoring four goals and adding three assists. Thiam additionally appeared in a pair of UEFA Europa League qualifying matches against Serbian SuperLiga side FK Vojvodina in 2015.

Born in Senegal, Thiam began his professional career with his hometown Racing Club Dakar before departing for Hungary to join Kaposvári Rákóczi FC in August 2012. After scoring three goals in 13 appearances for the reserves, Thiam was promoted to the first team in January 2013. In 27 appearances, Thiam scored five goals and tallied two assists before joining MTK Budapest FC.

Transaction: Chicago Fire (MLS) acquire M Khaly Thiam on loan from MTK Budapest FC (Hungary). The Fire acquired the Discovery Priority on the player from Columbus Crew SC in exchange for Chicago's 2017 natural second round SuperDraft pick. However, pursuant to the trade agreement, if Thiam starts in 12 or more MLS regular season games, or if his loan is extended or successfully converted into a transfer following the 2016 season, Columbus will receive General Allocation Money instead of the SuperDraft pick.

Full Name: Khaly Iyane Thiam

Position: Midfielder

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 183 lbs.

Born: January 7, 1994

Hometown: Dakar, Senegal

Last Club: MTK Budapest FC

Acquired: Acquired on loan on May 4, 2016

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