Philadelphia Union: How Long can we keep Andre Blake?

Scrolling through Reddit I came across an interesting thread on how long the Philadelphia Union can hold onto Andre Blake for by u/moutainhawk98.

He posed the question below,

“If he [Andre Blake] has another two performances in the Copa [America] like he did this past weekend, or if he somehow helps lead Jamaica to the quarterfinals, you have to imagine interest from European teams may start to come for a lot more money than he currently gets from MLS.”

That’s a very interesting question especially given Andre Blake’s importance to the Philadelphia Union defense. The Philadelphia Union are in first place in the Eastern Conference with the Copa America break upon us and they have one of the best defenses in MLS to their name.

The Philadelphia Union have allowed 16 goals on the season good for fifth best in MLS. Their defensive success can be attributed to their improved back line but Andre Blake has also played a huge role in the Union’s defensive improvements.

More from Philadelphia Union

• VIDEO: Even Philly Fans Can’t Hate Messi’s First Goal vs Philadelphia Union
• DraftKings Pennsylvania Promo Will Give You $200 Bonus GUARANTEED for Betting Just $5
• Philadelphia Union 2021 MLS season preview
• Don’t laugh, but the Union might be Philadelphia’s next champions
• Philadelphia Union: Previewing upcoming matchup vs Atlanta United

While watching any Philadephia Union game this season, one thing that stands out is how vocal Andre Blake is. Now that he is the definite number one keeper, Blake has picked up the slack leadership wise. Blake has also been important in that role for the Jamaican National team. He along with Wes Morgan play a huge role in organizing their back line and stifling attacks.

Andre Blake’s importance to the Philadelphia Union was never more important than during the one game that Blake missed versus the Columbus Crew. In that game, Matt Jones deputized in Blakes absence and let in two goals that Blake arguably would have saved.

Game Highlights below:

But would the Philadelphia Union eventually sell Andre Blake?

There comes a point when a player becomes “too big for the club” and if he continues his ascent Andre Blake could be that player forcing the Philadelphia Union to entertain offers for him. If he keeps up his current form for both club and country Blake could be looking at a transfer to a bigger club by the summer of 2017-2018 (at which point the Union will have time to look at replacements for him).

Reddit User EdBacon explains his thinking below:

"The Union would be stupid if they didn’t try and hold onto him for at least another year. Plus, I don’t think his stock has risen enough to see serious interest from overseas. Jamaica isn’t a team that attracts much attention. Remember Donovan Ricketts? He bounced around League One before coming to the Galaxy, so it’s not like European leagues are seeing this as a hotbed for talent.That being said, Wes Morgan just won the Premier with Leicester, so these things are changing I suppose. I’d still give it another year, though."

His reservations are understandable but the transfer market is changing and teams are paying more attention to tournaments like the Copa America because they are great scouting tools for athletes from smaller nations.

User hallam81 offers an opinion that I agree a little more with.

"I would say he has another year for us at most and then he should be to be picked up by a team in the Netherlands, German, Spain, or England (either the EPL or championship). I think he would be a good back up when he gets there too. I know it is weird to say but I would be happy for him to go if he can play for the best teams eventually."

Next: Philadelphia Union Developing Within Bethlehem Steel

The general consensus is that Blake has a year or two left with the Philadelphia Union before he makes a move abroad. So Union fans appreciate all of the “Saves by Dre” while you can because in a few years he may not be between the sticks at Talen Energy Stadium.