TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report

Juninho may be hoping to play soccer in the United States again in 2018, but his future still seems very much up in the air.

In an interview with Brazilian outlet Globo that was published on Tuesday, Juninho said that he is in talks to try and make a permanent move back to the US. The veteran central midfielder spent the past year with the Chicago Fire, but was there via a season-long loan from Liga MX outfit Club Tijuana.

“I have a contract with Tijuana for 2018," Juninho told globoesporte. "I’m in negotiations to see if I can stay in the United States for a few more years. That’s my thinking: continuing in the United States. But I have a contract and I have to present myself [with Tijuana] regardless of the situation. But I’d like to continue in the United States. I’ve been there for a long time.”

This past season, Juninho was a key part of a revamped Fire team that made the playoffs for the first time since 2013. The 28-year-old Brazilian, who the Fire protected in the recent MLS Expansion Draft, made 17 starts in 21 appearances in the regular season. He scored one goal and provided two assists.

Prior to playing for the Fire and before signing with Club Tijuana in December 2015, Juninho spent six seasons with the LA Galaxy. He won three MLS Cups during his time there.