I have wondered about this also. It would be nice to have a backup striker good enough to adequately function as starter in event of emergency (minor injury to Cuypers) or to pair with Cuypers in a (heaven forbid) two striker formation. But hard to know if either are ready to play at MLS level next season. I am resigned to let GGG make the decision regarding their readiness. But improvement is needed.
A couple big decisions looming for 2026.1) Spend Resources on offense or defense? and 2) build a team to contend for title next year or focus on establishing a base for long-term growth?
Just saw Penn. Dave reposted Bogert article that Fire have acquired Franco ( apparently at further reduction in price/terms) and also Saletros. Really big news! They will both be TAM players so Fire still have the potential to make a U22 or DP acquisition if they buy down ( or sell) Gutierrez. I really like the roster-building approach they have chosen!
By all means, add one or both of them to the Fire (dumping 'mighty' Tom Barlow in the process). However, just relying on kids may not be the best way to go. It is not just the 10-20 minutes, but we need a player capable of starting when Cuypers breaks down. It will happen. He plays so hard every match that he is bound to take a knock and miss a bit of time. I would not want our only replacements to be two teenagers with almost no first team experience (probably still better options that Tom Barlow, bit still...) I think we need a good veteran back up to spell Cuypers while the kids continue to develop.
Done deal. Good acquisition! Rumored acquisition fee of $3,160,000. His current salary is $600,000. My guess is a new 3 year contract at $750,000 total annual compensation. Using these figures, his Salary Budget Charge would be $ 1,803,333. (2026 MaxTAM is $1,803,125.)
I dunno, like, maybe occasionally play a two striker formation so you can rotate and platoon players and not just burn them out?
He is coming here or doing a 1 year extension. I think it depends on how Barca does and if Poland qualifies for the world Cup. I could see it being an easier decision to come to the US if Barca crashes out, Flick gets fired, Poland advances to WC.
He definitely likes 2 striker formations. His best era for Poland was him coupled with Milik up top. In possession Poland is back to a 2 striker formation, specifically to unlock Lewy.
It must have been he was threatening to leave not because of two strikers but a specific second striker possibly being signed.
https://www.facebook.com/DeadlineDa...ill-leave-this-summer-if-th/1006984658139046/ Whatever. It didn't happen and if he likes two striker formations, all the better.
.............Cuypers....Lewy Guti....Saletros.....Franco...Zinck Gutman......Elliot....DP....Barroso .......................Brady
🚨 Robert Lewandowski, not planning any January move as his desire and focus is on completing the season at Barça.❗️ Concrete, high chances to part ways in summer 2026 on free deal. 👀🇵🇱🎥🇮🇹 https://t.co/WhQbfYcW6L pic.twitter.com/3fYHSQsmx5— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 7, 2025
Two very quick signings in the off season. We could have the best midfield in MLS with the permanent signing of Franco (could we have beaten Phil. if he had not stupidly injured himself v. Miami?) and Anton Salétros. How did we sign Salétros outside of the transfer window? Well, MLS rules allow for the announcement of signings, but the International Transfer Certificate will only get dated as of the transfer window, when he can "officially" join the team. Also, the announcement stated he will join the Fire after the Allsvenskan season ends, which is this weekend. This is great news, since he will actually have a bit of an offseason, as opposed to other Winter signees who join halfway through their current season and are often fatigued by August or so. Don't know that much about him, but seems like a very solid, experienced professional who can play all over the midfield and a threat on free kicks. From what I have seen, having him and Zinckernagel lining up for those 20-25 meter free kicks? Umm, yes, please! Who are the odd men out with these signings? -Acosta, for sure. -Kouame, almost certainly. -Maybe Brian Gutierrez heads to Mexico (we'll see). -MHS? That would be unfortunate, as he has been a very decent player for the Fire (didn't realize he had 8 assists this season, despite only 5 starts and under 1,000 minutes played). -Mueller? We resigned Mueller, maybe he gets shopped to another MLS team. That would be a shame, since he has taken four years of salary from the Fire with virtually nothing to show for it (4 seasons, 61 appearances, 6 goals and none since 2023). -Bamba? I would not be surprised if Bamba is being shopped back to Europe. Third highest salary in Fire history and we have not seen that much of a return. That said, I think if we keep him, he could have a monster 2026. He is only two years removed from having a $20 million+ valuation. Also, he showed flashes early in the season (when he was in "mid season" from) of excellence. Maybe with a decent offseason and a stable line up around him, we would see the best of him.
Agree. I wonder how soon Fire will announce additional players signed/retained and players released? Judging by current pace, expect some news next week.
I would definitely expect that next week. Since a number of teams that did not make the playoffs announced their roster decisions in October, and the fact that the Fire do not seem to be screwing around, at all, I would expect the announcement pretty quickly.
Agreed, there is no way we can be a serious contender with Tom Barlow on our roster as a back up.. I mean for crying out loud..
Yes. We made real offers for DeBruyne and Neymar, that means we will be one of the few teams able to afford Lewandowski.
With more and more names of clubs interested in Gutierrez surfacing and his new Mexican passport, a sale of him becomes more and more an event to plan for. If he is sold now or at mid-year, a Fire acquisition of a DP CAM now would seem to be the most logical action. This is my choice for Greatest Need. A midfield of D’Avilla, Saletros and the new DP CAM should be quite strong. As a change up, GGG could occasionally move Saletros to DM and start Guti. Backups would be Guti (late season Franco), Oregel and Pineda Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. That is mine.
I agree in general with that...the 'and' that I'd add is preferred formation and 'weakest link'. Your first combo (D’Avilla & Saletros) is what we will likely see (for the first 20 games) with a 5-2-3. .....Bamba......Cuypers......Zinck ..............D’Avilla.....Saletros Gutman...................................Barroso ........Elliot....Waterman....Rogers ......................BradyIn this formation, for me Rogers is the weakest link, and its unfortunate to not make use of Guti (while we have him)....and what do you do with Franco when he can play. If this is the preferred formation & tactics I'd add a DP CB. I think GGG prefers 4-3-3 (as do I). .....Bamba......Cuypers......Zinck ..............Guti...........Saletros Gutman.........D’Avilla..................Barroso ..............Elliot..........Waterman ......................BradyIn this formation, for me Barroso is (probably) the weakest link, and then it's a toss up between D'Avilla and Waterman, but it's clear what you do when Franco comes back. .....Bamba......Cuypers......Zinck ..............Guti...........Franco Gutman.........Saletros..................Barroso ..............Elliot..........Waterman ......................BradyIf this is the preferred formation & tactics I'd (still) look for a DP CB. Maaaaybe a RB if a Jordi Alba level was available. That said....if Lewy could be signed....DO IT!!!
Interesting thoughts. My current thought is a sale of Guti by mid-season is 50-50 and that Franco recovery could extend to eons of season. You have not addressed these. Worst case result, Fire has strong midfield subs.