On Friday, the Chicago Fire announced the transfer of Ghanaian striker David Accam to a designated player contract from Helsingborgs IF. Accam fills Chicago's second DP slot following yesterday's transfer of Juan Luis Anangano to Universidad de Guadalajara.
Coming into the offseason, the Fire were widely rumored to be in the market for attacking talent, and in the last two weeks they have signed two strikers to DP contracts. Accam will join last season's leading scorer Quincy Amarikwa, 2013 MLS MVP Mike Magee, 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year Finalist Harry Shipp and fellow new designated player Kennedy Igboananike in attack.
It was clear that Chicago needed to strengthen the offense in the offseason. Last term they scored just 41 goals, and Magee was injured for large swathes of the season. However, should they remain healthy they look like they'll be one of the most potent attacks in MLS.
In comments made to the Chicago Fire's official website, manager Frank Yallop said: "David is an exciting, creative player with a goal-scoring mentality. I’m pleased that David will be joining the Fire. He’s a key piece as we continue to build a deep squad in preparation for the 2015 season and we’re looking forward to having him on our team."
Accam will bring a proven goal threat, as he scored 30 goals for Helsingborgs IF in 62 matches over the last two seasons. In addition to his contributions in the Swedish Allsvenskan, Accam scored eight goals in 11 Swedish Cup appearances and appeared twice in the UEFA Champions League and six times in the UEFA Europa League.
Accam's journey to professional football has not been an easy one. In his native Ghana he attended the Right to Dream Academy before earning an academic scholarship to Hartpury College in England. After that, he spent time in non-league English football, representing Ledbury Town and Evesham United before signing with Swedish 3rd division side Östersunds FK. After making a name for himself in Sweden, he was quickly snapped up by Helsingborgs. In 2013, he received a call-up to the Ghanaian National Team, although he did not earn a cap. Accam will be hoping to continue his rapid ascent with the Men in Red.