Chicago Fire acquire Bastian Schweinsteiger from Manchester United

Bastian Schweinsteiger is heading stateside.

The Chicago Fire have acquired the 32-year-old midfielder from Manchester United, with the Premier League giant stating the move is dependent on a medical and the receipt of a visa before completing what the MLS side hopes is a "swift transfer."

Chicago and the player first confirmed the move to the Chicago Tribune's Rich Campbell.

It's a one-year designated player contract worth $4.5 million, according to one of Campbell's sources, and includes a mutual option for at least another year.

"We're adding someone who has won at every level, including the very highest levels, and has done so in a way that is consistent with our values," Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez told Campbell. "We as a club will now be forced to hold ourselves to a higher standard, an accountability level. Previously, I think we could satisfy ourselves with what is known domestically. Now we need to rise to a standard that is set more internationally."

Schweinsteiger released the following statement via the Fire, Campbell writes:

Throughout my career, I've always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great. My move to Chicago Fire is no different. Through my conversations with Nelson and (coach Veljko) Paunovic, I'm convinced by the club's vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project.

Schweinsteiger joins a prominent group of Europeans who have elected to head to MLS in the latter stages of their careers. He leaves Manchester United having made only 18 Premier League appearances with the club since 2015, and with only one goal and no assists to his name.

A move to MLS for the one-time German national standout - he was part of the 2014 World Cup-winning squad - and former Bayern Munich star has been rumored for months, and he could join the team "by the middle of next week," according to Campbell.