Transfer Tracker

Chicago Fire FC sign SuperDraft pick Kendall Burks

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

Chicago Fire FC have signed defender Kendall Burks through the 2023 MLS season with options for 2024-25, the club announced Friday.

Burks, 22, was originally selected by Chicago as the 11th overall pick (first round) in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft after a trade with the New York Red Bulls. In exchange for the No. 7 pick, the Fire acquired $100,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money from RBNY and the spot where they selected Burks.

ā€œKendall is a talented young player who we believe has the tools to compete for playing time in multiple positions during his rookie season,ā€ sporting director Georg Heitz said in a release. ā€œWeā€™re very pleased that he has decided to begin his professional career in Chicago, despite having options to play overseas, and look forward to seeing his continued growth within our environment.ā€

Burks split his collegiate career between California State University, Bakersfield (2018-19) and the University of Washington (2021). He helped the latter reach the Division 1 NCAA National Championship game this past fall.

The defender trained overseas with English Championship side Nottingham Forest this winter, though instead signs in Chicago.