The Chicago Fire announced on Monday they have acquired the full rights to striker Orr Barouch.
Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 20-year-old Barouch was on loan to Chicago from Mexican side Tigres UANL for the entire 2011 season. He was used mainly as a reserve in league play, scoring two goals and registering two assists in 28 appearances, all but two of which came off the bench.
The Israeli U-21 national team forward had a larger impact in the US Open Cup and in the Reserve League, scoring three goals in three Open Cup appearances and leading the Fire Reserves with five goals.
“Orr is a talented, hardworking striker that played a significant role for us last season,” Fire head coach Frank Klopas said in a statement released by the club. “He embodies the type of player we’re looking for and is someone that we see enormous potential for in the future.”
Barouch is currently training with Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Haifa. He’ll return to Chicago in time for the start of preseason training in January.
Sam Stejskal covers the Chicago Fire for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at sam.h.stejskal@gmail.com
