Apparently deleted after I clicked quote… Can’t help but be curious what part (if any) of the club has remained ‘significant and able to provide knowledge’… New owner, multiple sporting directors, multiple technical teams, medical teams, an army of sales reps… I can only think of one name that has remained involved in some way…but I’ve not been paying attention for more than a decade. Are there multiple OG still involved???
The notable thing about Barlow, and to what this thread is supposed to be about, he is one of what I believe is 4 senior contracts would require action this off season… Options: Barlow, Mueller, Elliot. Free Agent after this season: Gaspar Other than that, I think the remaining ways to make roster changes are just buyouts, trades and loans…oh and those weird ‘mutually agree to part ways’ things, not sure how those are ‘counted’ is unclear.
I won't answer. It is why I deleted it...within seconds. Really, I did not intend to post it at all, as I thought better if it while I was drafting the comment. It is not my place to comment further.
The other (likely?) big change is Guti… Option A) stays, losses the U22 tag, becomes TAM and we sign a DP to replace 1 of the 4possible departures. OptionB) departs, freeing the U22 tag, allowing us to sign a DP.
Current U22s- 1)Koutsias- likely to be sold/ loaned 2)Barroso- buydown candidate 3)Gutierrez- buydown candidate 4)D’Avilla- too expensive for buy down
11 contracts expiring or with options- Barlow, Elliott, Mueller, Gasper, Dean, Oregel, Gonzalez, Gal, Dowd, Poreba, Williams 2 loans with option to buy- Kouame, Franco 1 predicted Sale- Koutsias 1 Buy Out candidate- Acosta. 15 total Senior Roster decisions (at least)
Thank you, good info! One wording thing, I think there's only 6 Senior Roster decisions (Barlow, Elliot, Mueller, Gaspar, Kouame, & Franco) necessary and 7 Supplemental (Presuming Koutsias is decided). And I would suggest Buyouts are not 'pre counted'. I'm sure it can be argued that if you are making enough money to 'afford them', keep up the good work and keep using them to improve your roster. I see buyouts as costly failures and should be 'avoid use, unless necessary'.
I did mislabel them, I should have said Fire I decisions. However, I think all of them have some significance for the team, especially Dean and Oregel. Also-( not listed) Brady, Oregel, Cupps and Elliott may be expecting salary increases Plus decision on Big DP/ DP/U22 and which position to use it on. And possible Fire II promotions and… and…. and…. No doubt in my mind, it will be a busy year end!
As mentioned in my other post, I think a 3rd DP is only possible with some kind of change with Guti. Otherwise Guti, D’avilla, Barroso and Radojevic will be U22 tagged and require us to be 2+4
Did you see that I listed both Gutierrez and Radojevic as potential buyers down candidates and there have been rumors about a possible Gutierrez sale. No reason in my mind to think Fire will necessarily be a 2+4 team. I think a 3+3 is more likely. My WAG unreleased year-end model has the salary budget ability if you presume a Koutsias sale. A “ Big DP “ #8 and a backup ST solution look me like the final puzzle pieces to propel Fire to a top 5 in the East next year. This would be consistent with expressed ownership and coaching ambition and the right acquisition would trigger a positive fan reaction and ticket sales. Joe obviously has the real$ and salary budget compliance would be more readily doable under my scenario. ( Giving away too many of my ideas tonight- no more until end of season.)
IF Franco is quality, I’m not sure the DP gets used on an 8. I 100% agree we have to have a second striker that would not be a liability to start ~10games and provide Hugo relief when we are behind in a match. That said, we still bleed goals...the CDM and back line as the area for improvement that gets us to top 5 in the East. Sure seems like D’je will continue to be invested in, so not signing a DP CDM. Ideally you don’t use a DP on a back line position…but that might be the right choice for us. Elliot and Waterman are ‘good’ but not great and both are slow…and both are contract talks post season. Gutman is near good as a wingback but just better than average on D…and U22 Rad is his new backup. Barroso is around average O&D, but a big investment. So…a DP CB might be the move The main arguments to use a DP tag on an attacker are 1) Franco ain’t all that and/or 2) upgrade/replace Guti
Definitely some thoughts to consider. Although a little more will be known about the current defense and midfield combinations by year-end, it is likely a lot more will be known by the July transfer window. It is possible the decision will be on hold until then, I guess. A backup ST who can score is a known need and should be addressed ASAP. The only question is the best way to do it.
What about Shokalook as backup striker? Had a very good scoring season this year in MLSNP after being drastically out of favor last season with Ludo.
Do not feel qualified to answer. I would almost think we would have seen more of him playing with Fire I this season if he is ready for MLS. Would like to see somebody who is a proven scorer with potential for further growth.
Cassano loaned to Lugano. No other details (so far), not even the length of loan. Seems like such an obvious move, especially from Fire perspective. Must be a reason for delay. Was there pushback from Lugano or was it by Cassano?
While commenting on Harold Osorio's big match winner for El Salvador, Young Alex dropped that he will not return to Chicago in 2026.