Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC II has signed midfielder Vitaliy Hlyut from the Chicago Fire Academy to an MLS NEXT Pro contract valid through 2026, with options for extension in 2027 and 2028. This signing marks a significant step in the player development pathway, as Hlyut is the first Academy player to sign directly with Chicago Fire II. Financial details of the contract remain undisclosed.

"After watching Vitaliy mature both on and off the field as an Academy player, we are very excited for him to be in our environment full time as a professional," stated Alex Boler, General Manager of Chicago Fire II. "His commitment and drive to improve and succeed have helped him to grow very quickly and he has everything in front of him to be at the highest level."

At 16 years old, Hlyut joins Chicago Fire II full-time after participating in 16 matches during the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season, where he scored once and provided one assist. He debuted professionally on March 17 against FC Cincinnati 2 and later scored in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Chicago City SC.

"Vitaly being the first Academy player to sign directly with Chicago Fire II showcases the power of the player pathway, and the Fire’s commitment to providing our Academy players the opportunity to progress to the highest level of the game," said Gregg Broughton, Sporting Director for Chicago Fire FC. "This milestone reflects Vitaly’s hard work and dedication, and we are excited to be part of his continued growth."

Hlyut also played in the 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate as only the second Academy player featured after Michael Nesci's appearance in 2023.

Internationally, Hlyut has participated in several U.S. Men’s Youth National Team training camps. Most recently, he played for the U.S. U-17 team at the Ježek Cup held in Hustopeče, Czech Republic.

Transaction: Chicago Fire FC II signs midfielder Vitaliy Hlyut from their Academy program through 2026 with options for additional years.

Vitaliy Hlyut hails from Roselle, Illinois but was born in Husiatyn, Ukraine. He holds dual citizenship with Ukraine and the United States.