Chivas are set to replace New York Red Bulls-bound Cade Cowell with Chicago Fire standout Brian Gutierrez, according to reports.
Gutierrez is coming off his best season with the Chicago Fire, both on a personal and on a franchise level. The 22-year-old scored 11 goals across all competitions in 2025, while the Fire won their first postseason game since 2009, though they ultimately bowed out at the first round.
Despite an impressive calendar year, Gutierrez has not been in the USMNT fold since making his only two appearances for the country in the January camp, which is usually reserved for players based in MLS and elsewhere in the Americas.
A dual national, Gutierrez recently got his Mexican passport, which means that he could file for a one-time switch with FIFA to become eligible for El Tri. Moreover, he is now a domestic player in Liga MX.
Gutierrez clearly anticipated that Mexican clubs would come calling for him this offseason after Chivas, who exclusively sign domestic players, made an offer for him last year.
Gutierrez joins Chivas, Cowell returns to MLS
According to Cesar Luis Merlo and confirmed by The Athletic, Chivas have returned for Gutierrez and are now in the process of wrapping up a $5 million deal. The 22-year-old has also received interest from Monterrey, who had a bid rejected by Chicago, and Club America.
In addition to Gutierrez, Seattle Sounders midfielder Danny Leyva is on his way to Liga MX, where he will link up with Ryan Reynolds-owned Club Necaxa. However, it will be a case of one in, one out at Chivas.
The Athletic also reports that the New York Red Bulls are in advanced talks to bring Cade Cowell back to MLS. The 22-year-old winger joined Chivas in January 2024 and has played 11 times for the USMNT.
However, Cowell has struggled to make his mark in Guadalajara. He made just four starts in this year’s Apertura and was omitted from six of Chivas’ last seven matchday squads.
According to the report, the San Jose Earthquakes academy product will join the Red Bulls on an initial loan deal. MLS legend Michael Bradley is expected to replace Sandro Schwarz as the New Jersey club’s head coach, and adding quality wingers is seen as a major priority this offseason.
