The offseason news just keeps getting better for Sporting KC fans. First the assumption that Roger Espinoza is going to be leaving Kansas City in the January window, potentially to the EPL and Wigan Athletic. Now we hear today that Matt Besler has been contacted by European clubs in an interview on Sports Radio 810.
Besler is currently out of contract, joining Roger Espinoza on the list of players without a contract currently, so he would be free to leave MLS without the team getting a transfer for him. Besler potentially leaving would leave a huge hole at centerback for Kansas City. KC has already waived 4 players on the roster that can play center back in Julio Cesar, Cyprian Hedrick, Neven Markovic, and Konrad Warzycha. With Besler out of contract, the only CBs on the roster for next year under contract are Aurelien Collin and Lawrence Olum.
With that in mind, I'd argue that Besler is a bigger loss for the team than Espinoza is. KC's midfield, while it won't be the same without him has the depth to cover for the loss of Espinoza. That's not the case with Besler. Besler's play this year has been good and consistent. His play has made it possible for Collin to be the type of player that he is when he's at his best. The two compliment the other's style of play extremely well, allowing both of them to excell (as evident by the fact that both were finalists for defender of the year this year).
In the end I don't think that Besler is going to be leaving Kansas City. I think he'll get re-signed to a long term deal that will keep him in Kansas City. But it's not a fun picture to paint imagining the starting XI for KC next year not having Espinoza or Besler.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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Sporting management really screwed up by not signing Besler before the season. And I don't think they can claim that it was always their plan to wait until after the completion of the rookie contract as several players (Zusi included), redid their contracts before the season.
Resigning Besler has to be the #1 offseason priority: 1) Besler is a local kid who is the "face of the franchise" as seen in marketing and jersey sales (find me someone who is a better representative of their team and city??!!) 2) He is a consistent, steady, and hardworking anchor to the defense. 3) His play allows Collin to reach his potential and force plays going forward 4) Besler is clearly a leader of the team as exhibited in the offseason organization of workouts as well as his tangible impact within games
If the overseas rumors are true, Besler's price has definitely increased in conjunction with the well deserved National Team recognition and MLS Defender of the Year award. That being said, losing Besler would be felt in more than his obvious All-Star level soccer impact--you'll be losing THE stabilizing force of the team and fan-favorite of the city.
Vermes, its time to recognize you screwed up by not offering a contract last year. Don't compound your mistake by not getting a contract done this year. While he will rightly be expensive, the only thing Sporting can't afford is not having #5 in a KC jersey.
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