Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC has signed new contracts with defender Jonathan Dean, goalkeeper Jeff Gal, and winger Chris Mueller, the club announced on September 22, 2025.

“Our strategy is to establish a consistent core group of players throughout our squad,” said Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “All three veteran players have an important role with the Club and we can count on them to deliver again for us next season.”

Jonathan Dean, 28, has agreed to a contract that will keep him with the team through 2027, with an option for 2028. Since joining Chicago in 2023 from Birmingham Legion in the USL Championship, Dean has played in 76 matches across all competitions for the Fire. In the current season, he started a personal best of 16 games out of his 25 appearances and logged 1,460 minutes.

Jeff Gal, who is 32 years old and from Bartlett, Illinois, will remain under contract through the end of the 2026 season with an option for another year. Gal made his Major League Soccer debut earlier this year at Soldier Field against Orlando City SC. He played seven games in the current season and recorded ten saves along with one clean sheet. Before joining Chicago Fire in January 2023, Gal spent his professional career in Sweden where he played for several clubs including Degerfors IF.

Chris Mueller’s new deal runs through the end of the 2026 season with a club option for an additional year. Mueller joined Chicago Fire FC in May 2022 and has since made 61 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and providing three assists. Earlier this year he was placed on the Season-Ending Injury list after being diagnosed with pericarditis.

Mueller began his professional career when he was drafted by Orlando City SC as the sixth overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. He has also represented the U.S. Men’s National Team twice at senior level.

The signings are part of Chicago Fire FC’s approach to maintain stability within its roster as it looks ahead to future seasons.