In a day that saw three signings officially announced across MLS, the highlights come from Vancouver signing a midfielder from Monterrey and Chicago losing their man.
Here is a quick rundown of the MLS signings on January 18th. What isn’t mentioned below is Chicago Fire reportedly missing out on their target Juan Quintero from FC Porto by a last-minute bid from Argentine side River Plate. Outside of that news, the Vancouver Whitecaps signing of Efraín Juárez seems to be the most promising signing of the day.
Efraín Juárez
Prior Club: Monterrey (Mexico)
New Club: Vancouver Whitecaps
Deal: Targeted Allocation Money
Position: Midfield (Defensive)
Outlook for 2018: Starting XI. Juárez’ versatility across the midfield will not only give him plenty of minutes this season but will help sure things up in the middle of the park. Expect him to also get minutes at right back.
Rafael Ramos
Prior Club: Orlando City
New Club: Chicago Fire
Deal: Traded from Orlando City for the rights of Chicago Homegrown Cam Lindley and $100K in TAM. 1-year contract.
Position: Right back
Outlook for 2018: Depth. After registering only 55 minutes for Orlando City last season due to injuries, Ramos will mostly stay as a depth player even though he showed great promise early on in his Orlando career.
I want to thank my family, UNC, and everyone else who helped me along the way. I am honored to join such an amazing organization. Can’t wait to get to work! @OrlandoCitySC #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/sb4j2XR4RG
— Cam (@cam__lindley) January 18, 2018
Cam Lindley
Prior Club: North Carolina Tar Heels
New Club: Orlando City SC
Deal: Traded from the Chicago Fire for Rafael Ramos and $100K in TAM. Homegrown Player. 4-year contract.
Position: Midfielder
Outlook for 2018: After signing several marquee midfielders this off-season, Lindley looks like a depth and future option. He should stay with the MLS club considering they decided against operating their B side in USL.
Michael Petrasso
Prior Club: Queens Park Rangers
New Club: Montreal Impact
Deal:
Position: Defender
Outlook for 2018:
Matthew Real
Prior Club: Bethlehem Steel FC
New Club: Philadelphia Union
Deal: Homegrown Player for a 1-year deal.
Position: Defender
Outlook for 2018: Now with 9 defenders on the Union roster, and three as HGP, there will at least one or two players sent on loan to Bethlehem Steel FC again. Training camp will ultimately decide if he is ready to contribute in MLS, or is best suited for more game time in the USL.
Mark McKenzie
Prior Club: Wake Forest University & Bethlehem Steel FC
New Club: Philadelphia Union
Deal: Homegrown Player for a 1-year deal.
Position: Defender
Outlook for 2018: See above with Matthew Real.
Emiliano Amor
Prior Club: Velez Sarsfield
New Club: Sporting Kansas City
Deal: Loan
Position: Defender
Outlook for 2018: Head here for a more in-depth look at Amor’s addition for SKC – “SKC: Emiliano Amor Headed to Sporting Kansas City on Loan, Wright Joins On Homegrown Contract“.
Next: MLS Transfers: January 17th – 4 signings in the West
Players Exiting
- Jorge Bava: Chicago Fire – GK
- Wandrille Lefevre: Montreal Impact – D
- Deian Boldo: Montreal Impact – D