TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Re-signing
The Chicago Fire announced on Saturday they have re-signed defender Johan Kappelhof through the 2021 season using Targeted Allocation Money.
The 28-year-old returns after spending the last three seasons in Chicago. The club's most consistent central defender over that span, Kappelhof has made 95 MLS regular season appearances for the Fire, notching eight assists, and has one MLS Cup Playoffs appearance to his name. He was an MLS All-Star in 2017.
"We are very happy to have Johan back with the team," said head coach Veljko Paunovic in a team statement. "Adding a player with his quality and experience, in addition to the time that we have spent working together, is priceless."
The Amsterdam, Netherlands native came through the vaunted Ajax youth ranks before making his pro debut for FC Groningen in the Eredivisie in 2011. He is also a former Dutch youth international.
The Fire also announced that Kappelhof has obtained permanent resident status in the United States.
Chicago kick off the 2019 MLS regular season on March 2 at the LA Galaxy.
