The summer transfer window is now open in MLS and with it, teams seem to be actively sniffing around for trading partners to free up salary cap and roster space while clamoring for flexibility to bring in talent from outside the country. But it might not only be some big names heading to MLS. There could also be movement within the league as well.
League sources tell Metro that Colorado Rapids midfielder Dillon Powers might be on the move, the team perhaps looking to find a trade partner for the talented 26-year old American. Powers, who has played for the U-17 and U-20 national team, has extensive MLS experience since entering the league in 2013 as a first round pick in the MLS Super Draft. He’s seen a bit of a dip this year, with no goals and a single assist in 14 appearances (11 starts).
Powers has a base salary of $295,000 this year according to the league’s records.
Also, a potential target to be on the move is Darren Mattocks, the Portland Timbers forward currently in the Gold Cup with Jamaica. The Timbers striker has 13 appearances this year in MLS play but just two starts.
The Timbers have been active in trying to find a trade partner for Mattocks.
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Another name on the move could be Columbus Crew SC forward Kekuta Manneh. Sources across the league tell Metro that the Crew has been placing calls about the forward and trying to find a landing spot for him.
Manneh started the Crew’s last game and scored but in the previous four matches, he was twice a substitute and twice went unused on the bench.
The New York Red Bulls, who reportedly are in the market for a striker, are not a likely destination per a source.
It will also be interesting to watch the developments out of D.C. United, a team eyeing their much-needed new stadium next year while struggling this season at the gate and on the field. United is believed to be eyeing some veteran contracts to offload this transfer window including a midfielder and a forward.
One international name generating interest – that much-maligned buzzword and the bane of editors everywhere – is Jan Vargas. The Panamanian center back is being scouted by a couple of MLS teams and recently turned in a solid shift against the United States in Saturday’s Gold Cup match.
