Chicago Fire FC signs promising Danish winger Philip Zinckernagel from Club Brugge

The experienced and dynamic winger joins the Fire on a transfer on a four-year contract.

CHICAGO (January 6, 2025) – Chicago Fire FC announced that it has acquired winger Philip Zinckernagel from Club Brugge, playing in the Belgian Pro League, through a transfer.

Zinckernagel will take an international position with the Fire team, pending the completion of his medical exam as well as obtaining his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). His contract with the Fire will extend through the 2028 season.

“We wanted to bring in a significant impact player for one of our TAM positions, and Philip fits that profile perfectly,” said Gregg Berhalter, Director of Football and Head Coach of Chicago Fire FC. “He is a technical and versatile player capable of generating opportunities both for himself and his teammates, while showing solid commitment in defense. With his experience on several elite European grounds, Philip will bring a winning mentality and leadership to our team for the upcoming season and beyond. »

Aged 30, Zinckernagel joins Chicago with over 400 appearances to his name, accumulating 83 goals and 80 assists across various leagues and competitions in Europe. During his time at Club Brugge, he made 44 appearances in all competitions in the 2023-24 season, recording seven goals and nine assists, contributing to his team’s victory in the Belgian Championship and their qualification for the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

“I am very excited to join the Chicago Fire and experience a new league,” Zinckernagel said. “The Club’s ambition and vision for the future is truly motivating, and I look forward to contributing to the team’s goals.” I hope to collaborate with the coaching staff and my new teammates to build something special together. »

He was also loaned to FK Bodø/Glimt in the Norwegian First Division, where he played 11 league matches in 2024, as well as two Champions League qualifying matches and six in the Europa League. He scored twice in the Europa League, a goal against Manchester United on November 28 and another against Besiktas on December 12. FK Bodø/Glimt won the Norwegian championship in 2024 with Zinckernagel, who was also part of the Norwegian championship team in 2020.

The Danish winger began his professional career in 2013 by signing with HB Köge in Denmark. Over the course of his 12-year career, Zinckernagel played in several countries, including Denmark, Norway, Belgium, England and Greece. After his time at HB Köge, he played at FC Helsinger and Sønderjyske before joining FK Bodø/Glimt in Norway. He then played in England with Watford and Nottingham Forest in the EFL Championship, then played with Olympiacos (Greece) and Standard de Liège (Belgium).

Internationally, Zinckernagel represented the Danish national team at U18 and U20 level, taking part in two matches for each age category.

Transaction : Chicago Fire FC acquire winger Philip Zinckernagel from Club Brugge in a transfer deal.

Nom : Philip Zinckernagel (pronounced: ZINK-er-nog-l)
Position : Winger
Size : 1,75 m
Weight : 73 kg.
Date of birth : December 16, 1994
City of origin: Copenhague, Danemark
Place of birth : Copenhague, Danemark
Nationality : Danish
Previous club: Club Bruges