TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

The Chicago Fire have signed former Real Madrid midfielder Alvaro Medran, the club announced Thursday. The signing was completed using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).

Medran, 25, graduated from Real Madrid's academy and has spent time in La Liga with Madrid, Getafe, Valencia, Deportivo Alavés and Rayo Vallecano. He made 77 top division appearances, including 21 last season with Rayo. He was without a club prior to signing with Chicago.

“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 and Luka Modrić,” Fire president and GM Nelson Rodriguez said in a club statement. “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.”

Medran has been capped at various youth levels for the Spanish national team, most recently at the U-21 level.

He is to date the second biggest news of the club's offseason, after German legend Bastian Schweinsteiger announced his retirement on Wednesday. It's a transitional winter for Chicago, who could have all three Designated Player slots open ahead of moving back to Soldier Field in 2020, with new owner Joe Mansueto in charge.

“I’ve known Alvaro since his time with Real Madrid and I’ve always enjoyed his style of play,” said head coach Veljko Paunovic. “Every team in the league is looking for a player like Álvaro. 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.”