Fire signs Spanish midfielder Perez

The Chicago Fire on Friday confirmed the signing of Spanish central midfielder Victor Perez.

The signing, first reported on Goal.com two weeks ago, had been held up while the deal was completed and then sent through the MLS office for approval.

“He is a dynamic midfielder and fills a position where we were looking for added depth,” Fire coach and director of soccer Frank Yallop said in a club statement. “The loan is a great opportunity for us to bring in a quality player in the early portion of the season and when the time comes, evaluate our options in regards to extending his stay with the Fire.”

The deal for Perez is a short-term loan from Spanish second division club Real Valladolid through June with a club option to renew. He last played for Levante.

Financial terms were not available, but Perez cannot be a designated player because the Fire (0-3-0, 0 points) filled those three roster slots during the off-season with Kennedy Igboananike, David Accam and Shaun Maloney. The Fire probably would have to move one of the new DPs to create space for Perez long term.

Perez, 27, will fill the Fire's eighth and final international roster slot. He will not be available for Sunday's match against Philadelphia (4 p.m., ESPN2), but he could be available April 4 when Toronto visits Toyota Park. He is expected to begin training with the Fire next week.