MLS Rumors: Andre Blake Set to Leave Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union goalkeeper, Andre Blake, is reportedly set to leave Major League Soccer and play in Europe once his contract expires at the end of the season.
According to some recent rumors, Andre Blake is set to leave the Philadelphia Union and Major League Soccer at the end of the season. The reports claim that Belgian club, Genk, is the potential destination for the young goalkeeper. His contract is up at the end of the 2016 season.
Kevin Kinkead first tweeted that “the Union agreed to sell Andre Blake to Belgian club Genk, but it fell apart at the very last minute.” MLS Transfers later revealed that “a trial is lined up for January.” All signs are pointing to Philadelphia not retaining their keeper past this season.
As one of the best young goalkeepers in MLS today, Blake is arguably the Union’s best and most consistent player. Andre has incredible potential and upside but it seems as if his time playing stateside will soon be coming to an end. The next move in the young star’s career would be to play in Europe.
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The former first overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft has played in 30 games this year and has had six shutout performances. He played in only six games in 2015 but recorded two clean sheets. With 95 saves so far in the 2016 campaign, the 25-year old ranks tied for sixth in that category.
The Belgian club that Blake has been linked to, Genk, are one of the top few teams in the Jupiler Pro League. They are currently in ninth place this season but have had previous success with their last league title coming in 2010-2011. The team are consistent competitors in UEFA’s Europa League.
With a player of Andre’s quality, a move to Europe to play Europa League football may be the best move going forward. He is getting consistent playing time with the Union in MLS and he is quickly becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the league but it looks like he wants a new challenge in his career.
The Jamaica international has become his national team’s number one and looks to secure that role for years to come. Blake started in the three games Jamaica played during Copa America Centenario over this past summer.
With his contract set to end after this season, it is highly unlikely that Philadelphia will be able to retain the services. Andre Blake was reportedly already sold before to Genk and if a trial is indeed set up in January, it is almost a sure fire thing that he is gone. Many would love to see the young keeper continue his career in Major League Soccer but Europe seems to be his destination. This would be a huge loss for MLS and the Union.