One Player Every Club Should Trade This Off-Season
With the MLS Cup final approaching ever quickly, and the off-season that follows, clubs across the league will be planning ahead for 2021, and looking at who to move on from prior to next season, and in this blog I try to give each time some advice, and list a player every club should move on from. Whether via trade, international transfer, or even loans.
Atlanta United-Ezequiel Barco*
No, Atlanta United won’t be looking to trade the Argentine youngster within the league, but it is no secret that Barco isn’t performing at the levels the Five Stripes would want out of their DP. But, there is plenty of interest overseas. Maybe Atlanta would be best off cutting their losses on the 18 million dollar midfielder, and selling him overseas. It is clear Barco doesn’t seem too happy in Atlanta, and after missing the playoffs, a pretty significant re-tooling will come this winter. Perhaps this re-tooling begins with moving on from Barco.
Chicago Fire-Fabian Herbers
Despite not making the playoffs, Chicago had an overall positive 2020 in my opinion, with talented newcomers Robert Beric and Alvaro Medran giving the new look Fire more of a bite. There are a few pieces the Fire may be looking to move, and with my first pick CJ Sapong entering free agency, my next pick is German winger Fabian Herbers. Despite being second on the team in goal scoring this past year, it seems next season his spot will be under threat, with the likes of Prezmyslaw Frankowski and young Argentine Ignacio Aliseda seeming to be more favored by Raphael Wicky coming into 2021. He’d be a valuable depth piece for any MLS side, and Chicago could probably recoup a decent amount of Allocation Money in a trade involving Herbers.
FC Cincinnati-Allan Cruz
Two years and two wooden spoons for FC Cincinnati, what should they do to turn things around? It’s no secret Designated Player Allan Cruz did not impress this year for Cincinnati, and if the club is to make serious steps forward in 2021, a new Designated Player is a must, which likely means they try to move Cruz. Moving his expensive contract inside the league will be the most difficult part of a trade involving Cruz.
Colorado Rapids-Danny Wilson
After living in the Western Conference basement since 2017, the Rapids finally re-appeared in the playoffs, and took massive steps forward in 2020, with a young exciting roster. My selection, veteran Scottish defender Danny Wilson may have his 2021 contract option declined by the club, but he is an easy inclusion in my opinion. Second highest paid player on the Rapids, stalling the development of Auston Trusty, and the bain of many Rapids fans on social media, it would seem likely Wilson’s days in Colorado are numbered.
Columbus Crew-Aboubacar Keita
Young Ghanaian-American center back Aboubacar Keita has been in and out of the starting center back role for the Crew. He’s battled with veteran Josh Williams for the spot, but with Dutch center back Vito Wormgoor returning after missing all of 2020 with injury, minutes seem like they will be even harder for Keita to come by. He’s shown flashes of being a very talented defender, and the Crew could get a decent amount of Allocation Money if they were to choose to move the 20 year old. Perhaps, it makes sense to loan Keita out for a season, because all their other central defenders are on the wrong side of 30. Playing time will be crucial for Keita’s development, but he will also be crucial for the future of the Crew, considering his young age.
DC United-Ola Kamara
Coming into 2020, many (including myself) were high on DC, with the likes of Edinson Flores, Paul Arriola, and Julian Gressel, but it’s safe to say 2020 was a massive disappointment. DC suffered from a leaky backline and underproducing attack, and maybe none more underproducing that 31 year-old Ola Kamara. The Norweigan only bagged 4 goals in all of the 2020 campaign, and at 31, it seems his best years may very well be behind him.
FC Dallas-Bryan Acosta
2020 offseason signing Thiago Santos, along with youngster Tanner Tessman, have limited Designated Player Bryan Acosta’s minutes in 2020 in the heart of Dallas’ midfield. Is Acosta an important piece for FC Dallas? Debatable. Is he worthing keeping around on a DP-level contract? Almost certainly not. Dallas would be smart to move Acosta on, whether inside the league or overseas, and reinvest his vacan DP slot elsewhere in the side.
Houston Dynamo-Christian Ramirez
Houston experienced a frustrating 2020 season, missing the playoffs, and struggling to muster any impressive performances. With Mauro Manotas, as well as Matteo Bajamich and Ariel Lassiter, the latter who was permanently acquired this December, the striker position is a deep one for the Dynamo. MLS vet Christian Ramirez seems to be the odd man out, and there have already been whispers of him returning to Minnesota. Will we see Ramirez move yet again this winter?
Inter Miami-Robbie Robinson
Inter Miami’s debut campaign in MLS didn’t go to plan. Miami seemed to struggle all over the pitch, but will be hoping more consistent play from their attackers next season. For their first round Superdraft pick striker Robbie Robinson, making a break into the first team seems unlikely behind young Argentine striker Julian Carranza, and former Juventus and Real Madrid DP Gonzalo Higuaín. Despite having limited minutes, Robinson has had flashes of good play, and has a high ceiling. Maybe Miami is best moving him to new pastures this winter.
LAFC-Mark Anthony Kaye
Mark Anthony Kaye has been a critical part of the core in the City of Angels, but maybe the Canadian international should be moved. With the emergence of young South Americans Fransico Ginella and Jose Cifuentes, along with Eduard Atuesta and Latif Blessing, LAFC has numerous talented, young options in midfield, and should try to cash in on Kaye. They could easily get a good sum of Allocation Money for the 26 year-old center mid, and already have a replacement in the form of Cifuentes lined up for Kaye.
LA Galaxy-Jonathan Dos Santos
Things need to change in Carson after an obmismal 2020 campaign. I’d hear a case for almost every player on this roster to be moved, but I’ve chosen Jonathan Dos Santos. On his day, he is arguably the best defensive midfielder in the league, but, like everyone else on the Galaxy, struggled in 2020. Injuries limited him to only 13 appearances this season, and considering both his age and DP level contract, the G’s should look to move Dos Santos for long term roster flexibility. Moving him would most likely come via international transfer, however.
Minnesota United-Tyler Miller
Replacing 2019 MLS Goalkeeper of the year Vito Mannone was always going to be difficult, and the Loons thought they had done it through Tyler Miller. But, Miller missed almost the whole season after receiving hip surgery, and in his absence, 23 year old Dayne St. Clair has thrived, and made a serious impression. For the best of the career of their young shot-stopper St. Clair, they should look to move Miller, who could certainly garner interest across the league. St. Clair is certainly ready to be a starting MLS goalkeeper in my opinion.
Montreal Impact-Maxi Urruti
I have an issue finding a player who seems out of place for the Impact going into the 2021 offseason after the departures of my original candidates, Jukka Raitala and Jorge Corrales. I’ve decided to go with MLS vet Maxi Urruti, who’s lost his starting spot to winger-turned-striker Romell Quioto, and was knocked further down the depth chart by Mason Toye. Both for Urruti’s sake, as well as the continued development of Toye, Montreal would do well to move Urruti, to create more minutes for Toye and Quioto.
Nashville SC-Dom Badji
Coming into the 2020 season, many (including myself) expected former Dallas and Colorado man Dom Badji to be the starting striker for expansion side Nashville. But with the emergence of Daniel Rios, and the signing of DP Jhonder Cadiz, Badji fell down the depth chart. On his day, Badji can antagonize opposing defenses, and use his pace to latch onto through balls. The Senegalese striker could prove to be an interesting depth piece for MLS sides to pursue this winter.
New England Revolution-Diego Fagundez
Diego Fagundez feels like he’s been around forever, but at only 25, he still has many years left in his career. He has shown flashes of his potential, but has struggled for playing time under Bruce Arena. A move away from Faoxborough would be beneficial for all parties involved, as Fagundez would finally be able to get more playing time, while the Revs could clear his salary off the books.
New York Red Bulls-Mathias Jorgensen
My original candidate for this list, Marc Rzatkowksi, has had his option for 2021 declined. So, I turn to young Danish forward Mathias Jorgensen. Signed for a fee of around 1 million prior to the 2019 campaign, Jorgensen has struggled to make an impact in New Jersey. Does he need more time to develop, or a change of scenery? I doubt the Red Bulls move him, but personally, I’d love him at my club, the Colorado Rapids.
NYCFC-Ismael Tajouri-Shradi
After their 2020 season came to an end against Orlando City in one of the most memorable playoff games of all time, NYCFC have a pretty solid roster coming into 2021. In all realism, I’d be shocked if they move my candidate Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, but he is on this list because of both his lack of appearances, as well as his stats being down this season. Maybe a move could help him become an elite MLS winger, but with Gary Mackay-Steven leaving, and opening up a spot in the attack, I’d be surprised if ITS leaves this winter.
Orlando City-Jhegson Mendez
Ecuadorian midfielder Jhegson Mendez was expected to become at very least an important part for Orlando when he signed in January of 2019, but he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype. In a 2020 season that finally saw Orlando make the playoffs, Mendez had a fairly small role in the Lions success, And at only 23, he is still young and has decent value. Potentially we see Mendez traded this winter.
Philadelphia Union-Jack Elliott
This move has a huge asterisk for the 2020 Supporters Shield Winners. In the event of selling 21 year-old defender Mark Mckenzie to Europe, Elliot is no longer on this list. And frankly, even if Mckenzie stays, I don’t see Elliot moving unless a big amount of allocation goes the other way. Another potential candidate is young midfielder Matej Oravec, who’s still yet to make an appearance for the Union.
Portland Timbers-Andy Polo
The Peruvian winger has enjoyed a strange time in the Rose City, appearing fairly often, but struggling to make a consistent impact (although, he has scored some absolute screamers for PTFC). Another player I think their side is unlikely to move, but if the return is good, Portland should not hesitate trading Polo elsewhere.
Real Salt Lake-Justen Glad
Justen Glad was once one of the highest rated young defenders in MLS, but has struggled for consistent minutes under Freddy Juarez, and fell behind veterans Nedum Onuoha and Marcelo Silva in the depth chart. With Onuoha retiring this winter, it does open a spot in RSL’s defence, but if Glad remains out of favor in Sandy, Utah, a trade away could be beneficial for all parties involved.
San Jose Earthquakes-Nick Lima
My original pick for San Jose was Danny Hoesen, who’s since had his option declined, and won’t be returning to the Bay Area. In fact, almost all my good picks to be moved this winter have already announced they’re leaving. I’m going Nick Lima because of all the competition in the right back spot for the Quakes, in the form of Tommy Thompson and Paul Marie. If they did look to move Lima, they’d be able to get a handsome amount of Allocation Money for the American International.
Seattle Sounders-Nouhou
Sounders cult hero Nouhou Tolo is one of the most entertaining players in the league, simply because of his wild, sometimes reckless playing style. With the return to Seattle for left back Brad Smith, it seems coming into 2021 Nouhou will be behind Smith in the left back slot. Considering Nouhou’s young age, and the position he plays, he will have a decently high value, and Seattle may look to move the vivacious fullback this winter.
Sporting KC-Matt Besler
33 year-old Matt Besler has enjoyed 12 seasons with SKC, and been the starting center back, and rock in the back for SKC in almost each one of the 12 seasons, but not 2020. He lost his job to on-loan defender Winston Ried, and has fallen out of favor with Peter Vermes. Being 33, Besler doesn’t have many more seasons left for him, but maybe a move away could help enjoy his final few seasons as a starter. I think he would be an excellent addition to new expansion side Austin FC.
Toronto FC-Jozy Altidore
Arguably the most recognizable face on Toronto FC, the veteran US international has seen his undisputed starting spot come under threat from young Ayo Akinola. To make room for Akinola, who’s 11 years younger than Altidore, TFC might want to move on from Jozy. The biggest difficulty is finding a club who would want to pay his high salary, but Akinola has shown he is more than capable to match Jozy’s production at striker.
Vancouver Whitecaps-Theo Bair
The young homegrown striker has shown flashes of brilliance, but mainly inconsistency, through limited minutes in the Glass City. With DP striker Lucas Cavalini, Tosaint Ricketts, and potentially a return for Fredy Montero, 2021 may prove to be yet another season full of limited minutes for Bair. The young striker could garner a decent sum of Allocation money, and more consistent minutes could do wonders for his development.
What do you think of my pick for your club? Who would you like to see moved from your team? Whatever happens this winter, it promises to be another fascinating MLS offseason.
