Photo courtesy Philadelphia Union

PSP writers look into the site’s “infamous cracked, cloudy, inaccurate crystal ball” to predict the Union’s pending end-of-season roster decisions.

As the MLS roster freeze date rapidly approaches, we have compiled our individual “seat-of-the-pants” intuitions where each “not guaranteed” individual stands vis-à-vis returning next season.

We have categorized the 24 pending decisions into four groups for discussion: Option, Loanee, Amateur, and Out-of-Contract. 

We continue our discussions with the current loanees. There are four players on loan to the Union organization; one to the first team, and three to the second team. 

Giovanny Sequera:

Alex Hayden: For his first year playing RB, he is doing well for himself as Gavin Wetzel’s replacement in the starting lineup. Sign him to a Union II deal and continue developing him as a defender.

Tim Jones: Unless hyperexpensive, sign

Kyle Grantham: Returning

Blake Zuschnitt: 18 appearances for UII on loan, maybe they look to sign him to a deal?

George Diamond: Think Union II will make this deal permanent.

Chris Turk: Maybe? He doesn’t seem to have the build to play in the U’s pressing system. They loaned David Vasquez out for that very reason. Can’t see how Sequera will play for the first team with his size. On the other hand, they did extend his loan. So maybe.

Ian Glavinovich:

Alex Hayden: We unfortunately did not get to see enough of him to make an easy decision. If he recovers come Winter, sign him as depth.

Tim Jones: If recovered, sign

Kyle Grantham: Returning

Blake Zuschnitt: Unfortunately, he is likely gone. His ability on the ball and defensively was evident in the minutes he played here, but he was likely thought of as a long term replacement for Glesnes heading into the season. With the Glesnes extension, he’s likely out of the picture, but maybe Ernst gets an injury discount on him.

George Diamond: While the Argentinian CB played well in the few games he appeared, his injury prevented an extended look. The reported fee makes it seem unlikely the Union purchase him outright. Reckon he’s gone unless all parties involved want another loan.

Chris Turk: I can’t imagine the Union will exercise his buy option, especially if the rumored amount (~$3m) is accurate.

Kaiden Moore:

Alex Hayden: Moore’s contract with Atlanta United II is one of those that will turn into a first-team deal in the new year. I assume he is here to get extra minutes with Union II because Atlanta II is not guaranteed to make the Next Pro playoffs. He has a chance to be a first-team reserve for them next season.

Tim Jones: Extend loan, too little observation

Kyle Grantham: Returning

Blake Zuschnitt: Only one appearance for Union II this year, on loan, I’m not sure he’s back

George Diamond: Gut feeling says this is only a loan. For what it’s worth he played significant minutes as a starter with Marlon LeBlanc’s U-18 USMNT about 2 months before going on loan with U II. But, his signing press release did not mention an ‘option to purchase’.

Chris Turk: Yes, given the lack of depth at CB.

Noah Probst:

Alex Hayden: We have not seen enough of him yet, though having some height on Union II is welcome. Extend loan if possible.

Tim Jones: Extend loan, too little observation

Kyle Grantham: Not returning

Blake Zuschnitt: I think he’s back, and maybe he develops into a depth piece for the first team in the double pivot.

George Diamond: Seems to be in strong contention to get starting minutes since his arrival, so I’m leaning that U II makes the deal permanent. Signing press release mentioned an ‘option to purchase’.

Chris Turk: Probably not, unless Bueno (or heaven forbid, Danley) is moved.