Well, on the one hand I hope for some big summer moves such as Shaqiri moving along for big oil money transfers to Saudi Arabia after performing WONDEFULLY in the Euro's for Switzerland and then 2 new DP level players coming in to run the offense. On the other hand I hope JM has sealed his check book to Heitz and co and the season dribbles out into further nothingness as we await the NEXT super rebuild to take shape. If the first thing happens we are stuck with Heitz whom at this point I have no faith in to build a squad capable of competing in this league. In other news...does anyone know where the Omari Glasgow situation stands? I take it he could only be called up twice on short term loans from Fire II and wonder if someone holding an international designation has to be moved along (looking at you Souquet) before he can be signed as a full time squad member? While he didn't score or assist he looked promising and at this point with the worst start in Chicago Fire HISTORY I see absolutely no reason to not give the "kids" some meaningful moments and see what sticks? It's clear the veterans can't compete at this level so let's get the kids up to speed on things and see if the cream rises to the top?
Heitz doesnt prioritize players who "see it"... so you get a bunch of sideways, backwards, "Safe" players, and long-balls to nobody
People seem to be forgetting games like our one against NYRB. I think the lack of a direct attack is because teams have figured out we can’t unlock a “low block”. When teams play against us, we typically look pretty good. Look at the first half against RBNY and then look at the game after the red card. We look worse. We don’t play well against a compact team that counters. We need to figure that out.
Anxious to hear if the proposed rule changes get approved...pundits indicate it's highly likely...and would make for an active summer transfer window. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5404511/2024/04/10/mls-roster-rule-changes/ Designated players and under-22 initiative changes The rule change: This is the biggest change. It will impact how teams can spend on the top six roster spots that allow for significant spending outside of the salary budget: designated players and under-22 initiative players. Currently, teams with three senior DPs can have just one U-22 player. Teams with two senior DPs and one young DP or a DP that can be bought down with targeted allocation money (TAM) can have up to three U-22 players. Under the new rules, teams can have either three DPs and three U-22 players, or they can have two DPs and four U-22 players, plus $2 million in general allocation money (GAM). Two buyouts per season The rule change: MLS will increase the number of contract buyouts available from one to two per season, per team. The increase comes after a previous change in which the league allowed a club to buy a player out during the season. Previously, the buyout had to occur during the offseason. More GAM for transfers The rule change: Under current rules, MLS teams can convert up to $1,215,506 of any transfer/loan revenue into general allocation money. Under new rules, teams will be able to convert up to $3 million per year in transfer or loan revenue into GAM.
Right! Would be helpful if we can still convert any of the Gaga or Duran money and max out the $3mil GAM
Mexican national team representatives have been in touch with Gutiérrez, who must now battle his way back onto the Olympic team.“I’m thinking under the radar, deciding which, so I don’t have a concrete answer right now. I need to see what my options are.” 🇺🇸🇲🇽#usmnt #usynt https://t.co/c5JglT9Vxx— Alex Calabrese (@amcalabrese12) May 23, 2024
Libertarians don’t even follow rules so retroactive doesn’t even get considered. It’s just complete dishonesty.
Mexican national team players are rumored to be heavily pressured to play in Mexico. If Gutierrez goes that route, plan on him leaving Fire sooner rather than later.
Was thinking the time limit on the sell wasn’t the issue, it was the cap….its still ‘this season’, but with an MOU. The article indicated if you go for the DP/U22/GAM path you get half the GAM because of it being mid season when the rule change would be in effect. So might not be ‘retro’…
I am all for it if we can. Seems like Slonina (8-22) and Duran (1-23) sales were a very long time ago. Of course, time flies when you are having fun.
seems like Shaq and Gaston are the two most likely to move on this summer Shaq would have to be via buyout, presumably, as his wages are way higher than his production Gaston playing time has been a bit limited this year, even when healthy -- seems like you'd want to showcase him a bit for a summer move, if that is indeed the plan plus, he's better than Acosta right now
As the transfer window is about to open in Europe, I am using lurak's post to launch us into Summer Silly Season! Yes, sending Gimenez back to South America and Shaqiri to Saudi Arabia (or Europe) would be great. Belgian Michy Batshuayi's contract in Turkeye is expiring. He was not good at Chelsea, but he has been very good with Belgian national team, was great at Besitkas and Fenerbahçe and Standard Liege. At 30, he is not 'over the hill' and seems to thrive in second tier leagues. Marco Reus should be available. Luka Jovic' contract is up. I doubt he would leave Italy, but could be a good signing. We won't get any of them, but still.
I agree both Gimenez and Shaqiri should go somewhere else. I also think we still need to move Souquet. He is 32, not fast, not cheap and just does not seem to supply what the Fire needs from that position. Moving these three would allow 2 new DP’s and open a roster spot and international slot for promotion of Glasgow to Fire I. One of the new DP’s needs to be a quality winger.
Do you really trust H & P to pick up the right guys to replace them? I can see expensive washouts signed for three or four years each.
I would hope we do much better than Omari Glasgow as our international signing of the Summer. Adding him is a luxury at this point, not a necessity. Getting a DP who produces is a necessity.
I don’t want to see Gaston gone, he’s still our best CDM, just buy him down to free up the DP. Target departures: Shaqiri, Souquet, & Navarro. That would open up 2 DP slots, a low TAM and a U22…plenty to work with. Sign DP8, DPwinger/forward, & U22 winger/wingback…and best available low TAM depth role or (if he won’t be renewed for 25) a Czichos replacement. ……..…..DPwf…Cuypers …….…..Guti……...DP8 Gutman……Acosta……..U22wb …Czichos…Teran…Pineda …....Guti……Cuypers…..DPwf ….…Acosta……DP8…...MHS Gutman…Czichos…Teran…U22wb …………….…Cuypers …….MHS.….….Guti.….…DPwf ……………Acosta….DP8 Gutman…Czichos…Teran…U22wb