Offseason rumors and possibilities for Philadelphia Union

Let’s take a look at what to possibly expect from the Philadelphia Union during the offseason.

It has not been a week since the offseason for the Philadelphia Union has begun, but it seems that many likely offseason moves have already been decided. Shortly after game time, the offseason seemingly began with a Charlie Davies’ tweet signifying that it looked like his time in Philadelphia was over. This came as a shock to almost no one, with his trade last year to the City of Brotherly Love, only seeing him in action eight times for the Union in a year and a half. The once talismanic American striker, one of only five Americans to ever score in Estadio Azteca, honestly did not do much to make anyone think that he would be staying longer. He is not the striker he once was, but he is the type of guy you hope has a good future.

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It was only a few days before more offseason rumors abounded, most notably around the position most baffling to the Union front office, the number 10. It seemed likely that after two years experimenting with Ilsinho and Roland Alberg in the position, even giving Alejandro Bedoya starts there, that the team did not really have that player. While many may point to Adam Najem as a potential future starter, Jim Curtin has not used him much on the bench, let alone on the field. The early rumors around the position are that Alberg is gone, again not surprising, while Ilsinho may have played himself into a new, albeit cheaper, contract.

For much of the season, many had thought that both would be gone. Instead, it seems not only does Ilsinho like the area, but towards the middle of the season to the end, he gathered a much more successful ability for the team. Now, many will hope moving forward he is not an everyday starter, but he could be used as a spot starter, or even on the wing. He is also a veteran that could help many of the players moving forward.

Perhaps the most interesting rumor comes from the possible leaving of Haris Medunjanin. While this comes as a surprise, and very unlikely, the fact is it could happen. For the most part, Medunjanin does not fit the system, and while an impressive passer along with being a great player on the field, he does not have certain abilities that would help this team defensively. While he does not seem likely to move, his leaving would benefit a strong young midfielder in Derrick Jones, who started at the beginning of the 2017 season, but made way to move Alejandro Bedoya from the 10, to more of an 8.

As for the rest of the team moves coming, Maurice Edu has likely outstayed his welcome. Coming back from Europe, he was a big part in an open cup run, but since then has twice re-injured himself shortly after coming back from injury. With no game time in two years, it is time to cut the fat. Although many love what Edu did in his short time for the team, it seems likely that he will be let go, especially if the team hopes to get a second designated player.

When you look at the current roster makeup of the team, it seems likely that besides Davies, Alberg and Edu, you will not see a lot of players leave the team. The only players that are on expiring contracts, that we know of, are Chris Pontius, Oguchi Onyewu, Fabinho, and possibly Ray Gaddis. Of those, the latter three seem to be good backup options for the defense moving forward, and Pontius will likely test free agency, as he might make a better fit for a new team in LAFC.

Beyond the expiring contracts, there is another light rumor that Giliano Wijnaldum may want out, especially if Roland Alberg leaves. But the left back could be a big piece for the Union moving forward, so I doubt the team will let him leave without some money coming their way. The other worry is the potential rift between coach Jim Curtin and Keegan Rosenberry, which while unlikely lead to a transfer or loan. Not to mention, it could be a potential point to look at during the offseason.

Finally, we need to look at where the team might look to bring in some new players. Notably of course, the team will look for a number 10, and many fans will probably hope that that player will be of the designated player type, especially with the possible departures of one, if not two, of the current options at that position. It may also be necessary to go after some Center Back depth, or a possible starter if you do not think that the current group can cut it.

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With the potential loss of Chris Pontius, you may want to look at a winger. But with Fabian Herbers, Fafa Picault, Marcus Epps, and potentially even Ilsinho at that position, it may be a future project. Fans will also likely want a star forward, but with CJ Sapong breaking the single-season scoring record the team may look for more of a depth option, especially if they someone cut the contract of second forward Jay Simpson. The final possible move is for a goalkeeper with Andre Blake likely leaving next season, if not over the winter. And if that does end up happening, the Union will either be looking for a starter, or a potential backup, unless they think John McCarthy is the starter after a potential move.