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With Marcello Gallardo’s arrival in the nation’s capital looking more and more likely, it appears that Christian Gomez’s days with D.C. United are over. He has been considering offers from abroad for some time but you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of Gomez signing with MLS and moving on via trade.
Where could Gomez wind up in MLS? There are plenty of teams who would jump at the chance to add him (though a two-year guaranteed deal for a 33-year old is a bit worrisome). Here is a look at some teams that might consider dealing for him, and the chances that a deal can get done:
TORONTO FC– Who better to talk trade with than Trader Mo, who would love to add a playmaker like Christian Gomez. What exactly would it take to get him? Try allocation money and one of the two first-round picks Toronto just took (Julius James or Pat Phelan). If there’s a deal to be made here then Mo Johnston will make it.
COLORADO RAPIDS– Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo would probably give his right arm for a playmaker like Gomez but you have to wonder what the Rapids could give up to get him. Mastroeni is on the market but D.C. won’t pay what it would take to have him on the squad. There isn’t much else that Colorado could give up and D.C. would consider taking.
CHIVAS USA– The Goats played well despite the disappointment that was Amado Guevara, but they would still love to add a playmaker. What could Chivas USA really afford to deal? Ante Razov is a possibility and would work well with Luciano Emilio, but DC just added Franco Niell on loan at a good price. Chivas USA could just deal DC its designated player slot the rights to Amado Guevara. Kidding.
KANSAS CITY WIZARDS– Carlos Marinelli had mixed results for the Wizards last year but I still don’t think KC would consider unloading some of that Eddie Johnson buyout money on Gomez. I also wonder if Gomez would really re-sign with MLS for a move to KC.
RED BULLS– Juan Carlos Osorio wants a playmaker but he doesn’t have the pieces to make a deal that would make sense for DC. After all, there is dealing Gomez because you have to and there’s dealing him to your arch-rival (And yes, I’m fully aware that D.C. has previously traded Jaime Moreno, Richie Williams and Eddie Pope to the club formerly known as the MetroStars).
NEW ENGLAND– A Gomez-Joseph central midfield tandem would be drool-worthy, but the only thing New England has that’s trade bait is its designated player slot, which D.C. isn’t likely to use after tying up so much money in new players. How about Wells Thompson and Chris Albright for Gomez? I know, probably not, and there’s also the fact that New England is the team D.C. is trying to unseat as conference champions.
Where do you think Gomez will go? Share your thoughts below.