By IVES GALARCEP
The trade hasn’t been made official yet, but more and more details are emerging surrounding the trade reported by SBI on Friday evening sending Dilly Duka to the Chicago Fire for Dominic Oduro.
The Chicago Daily Herald reported on Saturday that the trade also includes the rights to Robbie Rogers, which the Crew are sending to the Fire.
SBI has also learned that the trade included Dilly Duka signing a new contract with the Fire that will pay him significantly less than he was due to make in the final two years of his initial Generation adidas contract. That new deal was the key factor in getting the deal completed after weeks of negotiations.
Another interesting development in Duka’s departure from Columbus is the high level of interest in his services from multiple MLS teams. The Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City were among the teams also in the mix for Duka’s services, sources told SBI.
The Fire are not on the verge of signing Rogers, but that remains a possibility. A more likely scenario will see Chicago trading Rogers’ rights if he chooses to return to MLS, with the Los Angeles Galaxy among the teams interested in the winger.
The inclusion of Rogers’ rights, along with Duka’s new deal make the trade a major windfall for the Fire. The Crew won’t complain too much because the trade allowed them to unload a player they were desperate to dump off their salary cap, which should allow them to sign another player. The trade also secures them a speedy forward who gives their attack a different element.
The trade has yet to be formally announced, but is expected to be on Monday. Both Duka and Oduro acknowledged the trade via Twitter on Friday night:
Thanks to all the fire fans and front office for all your supports. And I’m now looking forward to the next chapter , here I come #columbus
— Dominic Oduro (@Freakyfast8) February 2, 2013
Its been a fun 3 years @columbuscrew Big thanks to the Massive Crew #Supporters and my #Teammates.. All the Best in 2013
— Dilly Duka (@D_Duka11) February 2, 2013
What do you think of these developments? See the Fire getting a steal? Think the Crew made the right decision?
Share your thoughts below.