The transfer window is rapidly approaching and several MLS sides will be looking to bolster their rosters for a deep play-off run. But what about players who are in need of a change? Here are five players who could revamp their career by heading to a new club:
1. Justin Mapp (Midfielder, Chicago Fire)
Mapp was once a promising winger and attracting interest from European clubs. He earned a call-up in 2005 and was on the 2007 Copa America squad. But he has only appeared in nine games this season, scoring just one goal. However, his $255,000 contract could scare away any potential suitors.
2. Jason Garey (Striker, Columbus Crew)
Garey has proven he can score goals in this league when given regular playing time. But he is buried on the depth chart and is having to compete for reserve minutes. His salary is much more manageable, at around $65,000 guaranteed.
3. Devon McTavish (Defender, DC United)
McTavish is one of the most versatile defenders in the league and is capable of playing midfield in a pinch. He was a regular last season for United, but is currently struggling to find minutes. He comes at a bargain salary of $52,500 and the only question is if Tom Soehn would be willing to let go of him.
4. Chris Seitz (Goalkeeper, Real Salt Lake)
Seitz needs to be getting consistent first team football. He is a good enough goalkeeper to lock down a starting spot in this league. His salary does not matter, as he still has Generation Adidas status. Seitz has been asked about in the past, but RSL has wanted too much in return.
5. Fuad Ibrahim (Striker, Toronto FC)
A recent name change by Ibrahim (he use to go by Abdus) is not getting him any more minutes. He filled in admirably for TFC last season, scoring two goals and had the look of a promising young striker. But TFC has since drafted O’Brian White and signed Ali Gerba, meaning minutes will come at a premium for Ibrahim.
Are there any other players in need of a change? Would you like your team to acquire any of these players? Share your thoughts below.
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The reasons you cite for MacTavish (his versatility and price) are exactly why DC would be crazy to let him go. He is the perfect player for MLS’s salary cap system; he’s cheap and multi-faceted. Like Cameron at Houston and Stammler at NY, MacTavish is one of those guys who won’t wow you over but can step in when called upon and be a solid starter. His biggest problem is that DC has become a deep team via the draft and a few key offseason signings. However, Quaranta’s and Jakovic’s call-upsto the Gold Cup, as well as Olsen’s and Fred’s injuries, should provide him with an opportunity for playing time during the next few weeks.
That is a good point. But McTavish is a talented, young player and may seek to be an everyday starter at some point. He has only appeared in six games this season. But as you said, he should be getting more work with international call-ups and fixture congestion.
-Tim (Soccer Academics)
Ibrahim is definitely a quality prospect and I can’t see Toronto being all that motivated to move him yet. He’s just turned 18 and is obviouslyy bigger and stronger than last year. A concussion kept him off the pitch for the last month or so but I suspect he’ll see more playing time soon.
He is quality prospect and should get some minutes for the US u20 squad this year at the World Championships. But TFC has several options now, and Gerba is going to take-up a lot of minutes when he signs. White will also be back from injury soon.
-Tim (Soccer Academics)