Fire trades Conde’s rights to New York

As expected, the Chicago Fire and defender Wilman Conde have parted ways, clearing his return to the MLS with another club.

The Fire traded its MLS right of first refusal on Conde to the New York Red Bulls in exchange for allocation money, team officials announced Monday.

New York has agreed to personal terms with Conde, a two-time MLS all-star, and he will be added to the Red Bull’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.

Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, a report at nypost.com says sources believe the deal is in the area of $100,000. New York coach Hans Backe said he almost rates Conde as “the best centerback in the league.” Injuries, however, have slowed Conde’s contributions since he was named MLS Best XI Defender in 2009.

Having joined the Fire in 2007, the Colombian defender tallied 4 goals and 4 assists in 77 matches before signing with Mexican side Club Atlas on a free transfer in January 2011.

Having protected Conde during the 2010 MLS Expansion Draft, the Fire held the MLS right of first refusal on the former Fire defender.

“We reviewed the situation and wanted to support Wilman’s return to MLS,” said Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “The allocation money we received in return will help us continue to build our team.”