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The Essential Philadelphia Union Dream Transfer Shortlist

By Paul Catrino Jr.

Jun 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view at dusk at Talen Energy Stadium during a game between the Philadelphia Union and the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view at dusk at Talen Energy Stadium during a game between the Philadelphia Union and the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New England Revolution forward Juan Agudelo (17) pushes the ball past Philadelphia Union midfielder Brian Carroll (7) during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union defeated the Revolution, 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Juan Agudelo – Forward/Winger – New England Revolution

Agudelo has an attribute that the Philadelphia Union value highly, versatility. With the ability to play both striker and on the wing he could offer the Union different looks that teams aren’t used to. Agudelo has good size at 6’1″ and 185 lbs. but he isn’t an overly physical player because he likes to operate in space. Think of him as a bigger, more refined version of Fabian Herbers. Agudelo used to be a surefire starter for the Revs before Kei Kamara’s acquisition and that’s how he’s found his way onto this list.

For a 23-year-old, Agudelo is surprisingly experienced in MLS as he signed a homegrown contract with New York Redbulls in 2010 and besides an attempted transfer to Stoke in 2014 (during which he ended up on loan in the Dutch league with FC Utrecht) he has been in the MLS ever since. While at some point he may make the full-time jump Europe, the Philadelphia Union would be wise to snap him up first. Agudelo could help create space for the midfielders to shoot because he likes to find space on the dribble.

He also has a high defensive work rate which is a must in the Union’s high-pressure defense. The acquisition of Agudelo could take the play of Chris Pontius and Roland Alberg to new highs (and they’ve been pretty damn good this season). His biggest issue is with fouling players but it’s a welcome tradeoff for acquiring a player of his talent. While he may have lost his starting role in new England, a move to the Philadelphia Union could put Agudelo back on the map.

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