We should reframe the discussion around the teams that are the right fit that can pay Seattle $10M fee and Morris $2m/yr. It’s nice that he’s not demonstrably overpaid so that shouldn’t be the blocker.
Reading between the lines, it appears like the Sounders are actively working to move him. Not in a negative way, but more like a partner with the player. If so, that really sends a signal to potential incoming players that the club won't stand in the way of your career goals and success. If JMo leaves I'd like to see them make a move for Tyler Boyd.
Who the hell in the bottom half of the Bundesliga is going to pay him 2 million a year tho? That would be like key player level no? He's not that. Decent 1st teamer maybe.
Morris would be the best attacker on Mainz, Schalke, and Koln, a nailed-on starter for every bottom half team except for maybe Hertha and Hoffenheim, and also probably a starter at Union and Freiburg. How much any of those teams are willing/able to pay is kind of unknowable, but I think you're underselling his ability and overrating the lower part of the Bundesliga a touch.
Bund is the 2nd highest paying league on average and had no foreign restrictions. So probably his most likely destination.
I think the $10M transfer is more of the trouble vs the $2M/yr salary. I know that most Championship sides have a small handful of players on over $2M/yr. Judging by this website: https://www.statista.com/statistics/675490/average-bundesliga-salary-by-team/ It looks like most of the teams in the Bundesliga could afford his $2M/yr if they viewed it as a good investment. The somewhat practical moves that I'd be a fan of would be to either Fulham or Schalke (I know Schalke doesn't have $10M for a transfer fee), because then we could catch multiple Yanks abroad at the same time, and it'd be fun seeing how Morris would do trying to help them avoid relegation. It will be interesting to see where he ends up, if anywhere.
Agreed. Perhaps Seattle would let him walk for $6M-$8M instead of $10M. Would be shocked if it was anything less than $6M
I don't think the Sounders would play hardball.$6-$8 milly would definitely get the job done. The problem is if the league would except that price. They don't want to lose leverage in current/future negotiations and Morris is one of the best players in MLS and a national team regular. I could see them killing a deal that the Sounders approved if they felt like the fee was too low. They've done it before.
I predict he stays given all the factors. 1. Not many clubs can afford the transfer fee Seattle would require. Or maybe they can but won’t pay it for a guy with little resale value at 26. 2. His wages will be high for most teams on the continent. 3. He doesn’t have a European passport making a move to France, Spain or Italy unlikely. That probably only leaves a few teams in Germany and teams in England as realistic destinations. The circumstances lead me to believe England is the most realistic, the most clubs who can afford his fee/wages. I would think he would only want to move to the EPL. Of the EPL teams, how many would he be a regular for? Maybe he goes but I doubt it.
what? wouldnt be good for either sargent or morris. morris doesnt need to go to a team that creates nothing...and sargent doesnt need to go to mls...would be a big step down. not a good idea.
You are wrong on the wages front. He isn’t making that much on wages. You are correct on transfer fee though, in particular given his age and possible perceived lack of ceiling/resale value.
Have we seen a valuation from the Sounders? Again, it's not Seattle that's going to be the issue it's the league office.
I would think some clubs would find his speed and strength intriguing. His first touch has been kind of mediocre when I watch him, except on one touch finishes (which he seems pretty good at); but maybe I haven't seen a representative sample.
The Sounders said they've had discussions with multiple teams. No specifics. It it leaks it's probably going to come from the interested clubs or the agent.
On that list, Hertha would be the best option. they've got some injuries. They are hertha, so they're underperforming, meaning a winning mentality would be appreciated. The others either don't often pay that sort of money, or are Schalke and looking really horrible right now. Hoffenheim is also possible, but I think the new guy has to water the tater patch and milk the team cows in the morning. Okay, too snotty, but this is a really small community. I'm not sure it's an ideal landing spot for him (unless he speaks German).
Oooh, MLSPA says $619,000 total compensation in 2019. They didn't put out the 2020 numbers, and if they do 2021 it won't be until Sept. Now, 2019 was year two of a five year deal that allegedly paid an average of $1 million a year, so it has increased, but $2 million would seem a tad high to reach that average. Maybe between $1 m and $1.5 million. It could also be that the escalation in pay is part of why the Sounders are being so cool about helping him move.
Honestly he wouldn't start as a striker baring an unfortunate injury. Rui Diaz is one of the best strikers in MLS. He'd basically be fighting for minutes off the bench with Wil Bruin. Lol it might be a step down overall in league quality, but it would be a step up in team quality and coaching.