Gregg Berhalter confirms what every Chicago Fire fan knew about Hugo Cuypers | OneFootball

A few days ago, we reported on Hugo Cuypers' imminent move from the Chicago Fire to Monterrey, a transfer that I'm sure surprised more than a few people.

However, it can be inferred that the departure of the current MLS Golden Boot leader happened due to Robert Lewandowski's recent arrival to the Fire.

Now, Gregg Berhalter has confirmed all the suspicions surrounding this unexpected transfer. So, what really happened between the Chicago Fire and Hugo Cuypers, the team’s best striker?

What really happened between Hugo Cuypers and the Chicago Fire?

First, we need to put everything into context.

A few weeks ago, Robert Lewandowski gave the green light to join the Chicago Fire after it became known that the Polish striker would not continue his career with FC Barcelona or elsewhere in Europe.

Eventually, after weeks of rumors, the deal was completed, and Lewandowski became the new star center forward for the Chicago Fire.

Following that news, Hugo Cuypers, who was performing an outstanding season with the Fire and was one of the main reasons the club sat third in the Eastern Conference, realized that the arrival of the veteran star would reduce his playing time and his role in the team.

This was a fair assumption, considering the arrival of a global superstar like Robert Lewandowski. That’s why Cuypers decided to leave the Fire in a transfer deal.

That’s why, when Monterrey entered the picture, the Belgian striker did not hesitate, and at his request, neither did the club.

Now, during a press conference, Gregg Berhalter made it clear that the striker's move to CF Monterrey happened at the player's request.

Following that statement, any assumptions or hypotheses can be ruled out now that the truth is known.

The Chicago Fire had no intention of selling their star striker, but the player himself understood the club's move and decided not to wait until his role was reduced. Instead, he chose to seek that opportunity elsewhere.

In the end, Liga MX became his destination. However, reports indicate that several MLS clubs, including St. Louis City SC, expressed interest in signing him.

Without further ado, the Chicago Fire replaced their star striker with a veteran who proved he was still good enough for Europe this past season and whom the club expects to do the same in Chicago and lead them to an MLS Cup.

The Fire currently sit third in the Eastern Conference and have a strong chance of qualifying for the playoffs.