Chicago Fire take Katai on loan from Alaves

The Chicago Fire augmented their attack Tuesday, signing Serbian winger Aleksandar Katai on loan from La Liga side Deportivo Alaves.

The loan deal includes an option to buy the 27-year-old, according to a club statement.

Katai failed to make a single start for Alaves during a turbulent campaign in the Basque Country, with managers coming and going as the club dropped to the relegation places.

Before joining the Spanish outfit in August 2016, Katai enjoyed a pair of successful seasons in his homeland with Red Star Belgrade, registering 31 goals and 15 assists in 68 matches across all competitions.

"Aleksandar should make our attack more diversified," Fire president Nelson Rodriguez said. "He has the ability to turn a game on a single play, whether it be off the dribble, with a pass or cross, or even on set pieces. His desire to triumph should also fit well in our locker room."

Katai will have the benefit of speaking his native tongue with Serbian-born striker Nemanja Nikolic and head coach Veljko Paunovic.