Hugo Cuypers Moves from Chicago Fire to CF Monterrey

CF Monterrey is finalizing the acquisition of Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers from the Chicago Fire for a reported base fee of $7.5 million plus $500,000 in performance add-ons. Personal terms have been agreed. The move follows Monterrey’s recent summer spending, which also saw Uruguayan forward Diego Rossi arrive from MLS’s Columbus Crew. Cuypers, 29, led MLS with 13 goals in 989 minutes this season.

New York TimesHugo Cuypers Sold to CF Monterrey

Cuypers joined Chicago ahead of the 2024 season for roughly $12 million and has become the club’s most prolific scorer, netting 44 goals in all competitions, including 34 over the last 18 months under head coach Gregg Berhalter. His breakout coincided with the Fire’s signing of Poland legend Robert Lewandowski. Cuypers publicly offered his No. 9 shirt to Lewandowski, saying the gesture was “an easy decision” and expressing hopes for joint success.

New York Times

Cuypers’ departure opens a Designated Player slot and an international roster spot, easing a roster crunch and clearing space for the club’s pursuit of German midfielder Leon Goretzka. However, the Fire lose their proven backup to Lewandowski; the depth chart now lists 23-year-old Jason Shokalook (no goals, three assists in 52 minutes) and 20-year-old Dean Brotz, both with limited first-team experience. The transfer makes Cuypers the third-most expensive sale in Fire history and leaves him as the fourth-highest scorer in club history, exactly half of all-time leader Ante Razov’s total.

Hugo Cuypers Sold to CF Monterrey

“Robert is one of the greatest No. 9’s ever, and it wouldn’t look right if he was playing with another number. It was an easy decision for me to give it to him and I really hope we can achieve a lot of things together on the pitch.” — Hugo Cuypers, striker, Chicago Fire.

New York Times