Off-Season Player Rumors & Movement 2013

If international play were indicative of league play, then Adu and Poorform Lopez would be world beaters, and Messi would simply be OK. I couldn't care less what a player does for his national team. If he can make my team better, then I want that player.

 

I've got to say, I am so glad the negativity of the season is over! It is a whole lot more fun reading everybody's posts and theories regarding next year. While I am not necessarily totally confident that the team will be making giant strides (read: playoff appearance) next year, I love this off-season speculating and all of the drafts, player moves and rumors. Honestly, it makes the off-season fly by. I for one, cannot wait for March to get here. However, until then, there is more fun to come!

 

Bornstein did pretty well at that World Cup thingy, far exceeding expectations. I'd love to have him on the team.

 

Look, I am a fan of Gabriel Farfan. At the moment, this argument boils down to Bornstein vs. Garfan. I think if we are all completely honest with ourselves, Bornstein wins this battle hands down. It also has the added effect of allowing Gabe to move back into the midfield mix, which may be a plus as well. If Bornstein is a realistic option, then the Union should make an attempt at bringing him into the fold. He was a very serviceable MLS LB. In fact, if he could play at a level that he was at when he left MLS, he would return as a top 3-5 LB in this league.

 

Union play their cards right, and Garfan ends up a solid bench option at both LM and LB.

 

Exactly my point!

 

I don't think it would be for that long I think at his price point he could have some trade value for someone who wants a versatile cheap player. and by that I mean some cash

 

Is there a compiled list of the trialists the Union have featured over the last few months in Chester?

I know the team publicized Matt Kassel (M), Ryan Richter (D/M/F), and Lucky Mkosana (M/F). We saw Damani Richards (LB/CB) and Lance Laing (LB) in the Reserve league matches against DCU. The Daily Doop referenced Unnamed Argentian (M) back in mid-october as well as "other new faces" that they did not release - the last reserve game with Toronto was cancelled. Are there more confirmed names or sightings from throughout the end of the summer and fall? Other names that came up in connection with the South American trip beyond "Beto" Armani (F)?

 

http://www.brotherlygame.com/2012/1...e-loan-terms-philadelphia-union-argentina-mls

Tiro Federal now looking for $50K for a 6 month loan deal for Leandro Armani.

The Argentine press is also reporting that Atletico Rafaela (Argentine 1st Division - current team of ex-Chicago midfielder, Sebastian Grazzini) met with Tiro's president last week about acquiring Armani. Grazzini and others like RSL's Javier Morales and Fabian Espindola as well as Colorado's Martin Rivero have proven that careers only in the 1st Division are not required for Argentines to be quality players in MLS.

 

And with a 6 month loan he can easily be sent packing if he doesn't work out (like Herr Herdling).

 

Given the issues with the 2012 foreign players (Pajoy, Gomez, Lopez, Martinez, Herdling) who joined the Union, a 6 month loan does seem like the way to test drive Armani for small $ and then bigger $ could be spent at the end of the loan to buy him only if he is worth it. The good news is that Armani, at 6'2", 175 pounds and likely more professional goals (113) than the entire current Union roster, will only be 29 years old at the start of next season, so if he comes to Philly and does well - he could be here for a few seasons.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if Albright did as well. You can jump to the USSF C license fairly easily as a pro player. The B and A license take a bit longer, but he could work on those with the U I'd think.

 

He would have to come back through the allocation method if I'm remembering things correctly. Since we took a transfer fee for him we lose the first right of refusal and any former MLS player that was transferred out would need to go through the allocation draft.

 

I'm into it.

 

That'd require another team to want to acquire him.

 

bringing back old players NEVER works out for anyone. Le Toux and now Ruiz, can Hack and the FO stop this NONSENSE. Spend our goddamn $$$ already on new quality proven talent not "blasts from the past".

 

I don't think any of them would take him, nor would they pose a threat to hold up the Union for something to get him.

 

Supposedly no one was interested in Kamani Hill earlier this year, but Colorado was forced to use their allocation spot on him (now whether or not that is the FO blowing smoke up the supporters @$$ is another thing entirely).

 

Toronto does not need him (already have Koevermans and Hassli). Chivas could very much use him given the Goats' brutal offense this past season but the question is whether they will try to find Mexican forwards given their new South of the Border despite Ruiz having just played in the Mexican League and performing well there. Portland has Boyd, Dike, Mwanga and Nagbe who all have played up top - unless they can find a taker for Boyd - I do not see the Timbers having interest. New England could use him to partner with Bengtsen (although they are rumored to soon be signing another Honduran - Walter Martinez who could partner with him) but they just acquired some starting midfielders (Cisse, Dorman) and have bigger issues on defense to which they may put $. Bottom line - from an allocation order standpoint, Chivas would seem to be the only obstacle if Philly wanted Ruiz back. Philly does seem to be downplaying just how many forwards that they will acquire. Towards the end of the season, it seemed as if they were targeting multiple forwards and as of late - they keep focusing on getting just one veteran forward to lead the young group even though it would be better to get 2 new forwards to platoon with McInerney as starters - that way, Hoppenot is not always the 1st forward sub off the bench and McInerney is not always a guaranteed starter.

 

Ruiz is the epitome of quality proven talent. One of the top strikers in league history and still performing. I would love to have him back.

Le Toux is a different case because he is not a proven talent. He's had one good season in his entire career, and is seemingly on the decline. Not worth it, even if he is a "favorite"