Dan Moriarty Chief Marketing Officer | Chicago Fire FC Website
Dan Moriarty Chief Marketing Officer | Chicago Fire FC Website
Chicago Fire FC has acquired the Homegrown Player Rights for midfielder Sam Williams from New York Red Bulls. The deal involved an exchange of $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM). Williams signed a contract with Chicago Fire FC as a Homegrown Player, which extends through 2025 and includes Club options for the following three years. Specific financial terms were not disclosed.
New York Red Bulls may receive up to an additional $75,000 in GAM if certain performance metrics are met.
“Sam has been training with us since January and has proven not only his ability to compete at the first-team level, but also his resilience and ability to adapt,” stated Gregg Berhalter, Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach. “He is a versatile player who makes an excellent addition to our roster as we move forward with the 2025 regular season.”
Williams joined Chicago Fire FC II in January 2025 after leaving the University of North Carolina. He began the MLS regular season on Short-Term Agreements with Chicago Fire FC, debuting against D.C. United on March 1 during their home opener at Soldier Field. Williams played for 84 minutes before being substituted by Mauricio Pineda. In another match against FC Dallas on March 8, he replaced Sergio Oregel Jr., contributing to a 3-1 victory.
During preseason camps, Williams traveled with the team to West Palm Beach and participated in matches against Fortaleza and Sporting Kansas City. He also played against LAFC, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes at the Coachella Valley Invitational, and took part in a closed-door scrimmage versus Las Vegas Lights FC.
Previously part of New York Red Bulls Academy, Williams was notable for reaching over 2,000 minutes for New York Red Bulls II during the USL Championship regular season at age 17. At North Carolina, he was recognized on both All-ACC Freshman and All-ACC Academic Teams in 2022.
In January 2023, Williams was called up to train with the U.S. U-19 Men’s Youth National Team; he was one of two college soccer players selected at that time. His sophomore year saw him starting all games leading up to an NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals appearance.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC acquires Homegrown Player rights for Sam Williams from New York Red Bulls for $100K GAM.
Alerts Sign-up