Atlanta United, along with the rest of MLS, on Tuesday released the players it has made eligible for Wednesday’s Expansion Draft. San Diego FC will have five selections to make as it looks to add to its ranks ahead of its 2025 launch.
The biggest names on the list are Luis Abram, Ronald Hernandez, and Xande Silva. Silva, who was limited to 23 games due to injury, is probably the biggest “surprise” (relatively speaking). The rest of the names aren’t: Centeno, Firmino, and Hernandez all had their options declined, though the club announced that it was in negotiations with Hernandez for a possible return.
As for Abram, though he is on the list, his bulky contract could prevent a possible selection by San Diego. It’s worth keeping an eye on him as a transfer could be likely for 2025.
Here’s a full list of players made available by Atlanta United:
Luis Abram
Erik Centeno
Nick Firmino
Ronald Hernandez
Franco Ibarra
Daniel Rios
Xande Silva
Here’s the full list of eligible players across MLS. We’ll have to wait up late to see if any of Atlanta’s players are picked: the expansion draft is set for 10:30 p.m. ET and will stream on San Diego FC’s website.
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Hernandez would just be drafting his rights. His option was declined, so there is no guarantee he would sign with SD. Would be a risky pick for them.
I can’t imagine how they could possibly improve on this past home kit. That thing seemed pretty much perfect to me. I’d honestly be perfectly happy if they said they weren’t changing it.
Protecting Mosquera might have to do with the possibility of him getting loaned to one of those Colombian teams that is interested in him
Well according to Joseph Lowery @ MLS, Julian and Xande are top picks that SD should consider. I kind of hope we keep Xande, but only if he can return to his 2023 self. If he remains his 2024 self, I wouldn’t be too sad to see him go.
The drop off was dramatic for Silva this year. Will be interesting to see the perspective of the new coach with regards to his work rate. He clearly has talent, but his work rate on both sides of the ball leaves a lot to be desired. If it is someone like Curtain, Silva is as good as gone. He doesn’t fit the high work rate mold to fit his system.
Latest update shows SD likely won’t take the higher salary cap people and/or those on longer contracts that require buyouts. So Xande should be safe.
Abram is probably closest chance of getting drafted out of all the Atlanta players
[…] Atlanta United lists players eligible for selection in 2024 MLS Expansion Draft […]
No real surprises here. The real surprise is how many strong options San Diego has from the rest of the league. Based on the talent available, and franchise building blocks that are available, I would be very surprised if any of our players are selected.
Interesting, Abram strikes me as a great expansion draft pickup if the year was 2018. But I guess with more teams and more talent, it doesn’t surprise me to hear there might be better options elsewhere.
There are some ridiculously good options for very little cost other than their salaries available in the draft. I don’t know if clubs are trying to offload some of their expensive players, but there are some near-guaranteed picks like Julian Gressel available.
Wow. I generally pay no attention to any other MLS team, but even I recognize a good number of players on that list. I think you could honestly make a pretty decent team with just players available on that list.
Toronto is probably praying to anyone who will listen that SD take Insigne.
I saw where Latif Blessing was at Dallas (I thought he was at NE) and was available. I always thought he was a pretty good MLS player but now he seems to have trouble finding a home.
agreed! i would be shocked if any aufc players make that cut. hardest part for sd will be narrowing down to the 5 they want. i could put together a pretty competitive starting xi off of that list.
It’s kind of unfortunate, in a way, that none of our guys are deemed likely to be taken. Speaks to our lack of quality depth.