Wednesday is usually MLS In-Depth Power Rankings day around here. But with Ben out (he takes off every day between the start of July and the opening of MLS’s secondary transfer window out of respect for the sanctity of Transfer SZN™), we’re changing things up today.
Instead of ranking all 30 teams in the league, we’re sinking our teeth into each team’s biggest transfer need ahead of the summer window opening on July 24th. Now, summer transfers are of questionable impact during the season of their arrival because of how late the window comes in the MLS regular season. The Houston Dynamo, for example, have just seven games on their schedule after the window closes on August 21st.
Still, whether it’s for this year or the years to come, here’s what your team needs to get done.
Atlanta United
Need: Start turning over the squad
The Five Stripes sure seem to have whiffed on two of their Designated Players and don’t have the supporting cast — in goal, across most of the backline, and in central midfield — to make up for that fact. It’s time to begin turning over the squad and kick off what could be an unpleasant rebuilding process. Finding a buyer for Brooks Lennon and his cross-first-ask-questions-later interpretation of the right back role would be a good place to start.
Austin FC
Need: Attacking midfielder
Now in their fifth season of existence, Austin’s roster has been crying out for a chance-creating attacking midfielder since they joined the league.
Sebastian Driussi was never that player, and when River Plate bailed Rodolfo Borrell out of the Argentine’s bad contract over the winter, the front office passed on the chance to add a creative type in favor of signing two pure forwards in Brandon Vazquez and Myrto Uzuni. This team is in the bottom 12 in MLS in non-penalty xG per 90, average shot quality, and passes into the box. It’s clear where their biggest issue lies.
Charlotte FC
Need: Striker