Chicago Fire sign former Real Madrid, Valencia mid Alvaro Medran

The Chicago Fire has signed former Real Madrid and Valencia midfielder Alvaro Medran.

The free agent signed a two-year contract with the help of Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), with the Fire also holding club options for both 2021 and 2022. Medran will be added to the Fire's roster in January of 2020 pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.

"Alvaro is a player who was developed in Real Madrid's youth system, graduating to play for the first team with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo andLuka Modric," Chicago Fire president and general manager Nelson Rodriguez said. "He had offers from other clubs and we're proud that he chose the Fire.

"Alvaro was at the Soldier Field announcement and immediately fell in love with the stadium and our fans. We welcome Alvaro to the Fire Family."

Fire Head Coach Veljko Paunovic added: "I've known Alvaro since his time with Real Madrid and I've always enjoyed his style of play. Every team in the league is looking for a player like Alvaro.

"He's a player that has experience but is still young and in his prime. He was developed at one of the best teams in the world and wants to come here and give his best. He also fits our style very well. He's capable of scoring goals, assisting, keeping the ball and has a high tactical understanding. We can't wait to start working with him."

Medran joined Real Madrid's youth system as a 17-year-old in 2011, eventually joining the first team in 2014. But the native of Dos Torres, Spain made just five league and cup appearances for Los Merengues over two seasons, and was sent out on loan to Getafe for the 2015-16 campaign.

Medran moved to Valencia ahead of the 2016-17 season, and had a bit more success, scoring two goals in 18 league and cup appearances over three campaigns. The Spain youth international was loaned out twice while contracted to Valencia, first with Alaves in 2017-18 and then with Rayo Vallecano last season. All told, Medran made 89 league and cup appearances in Spain, scoring 11 goals.

At international level, Medran has played for Spain's under-19 and under-21 sides.