⚙️ Squad Snapshot
Starting XI:
🧤 GK – Gallese ($8.5M)
- Locked for now, but potential transfer out to free up budget.
- Faces moderate threat, and could be a rotation casualty if value is needed elsewhere.
🛡️ DEF – Risa ($6.0M), Pidro ($4.0M), Markanich ($6.8M)
- Risa: Cheap NYCFC route, moderate ceiling.
- Pidro: Budget filler but may not play – monitor status.
- Markanich: In form with attacking returns, decent mid-price option.
🎯 MID – Gil ($12.0M), Rusnak ($9.0M), Dreyer ($10.0M), Ojeda (C) ($12.0M), Espinoza ($12.8M)
- Ojeda (C): Great form, great fixture. Locked and loaded as captain.
- Gil: Set pieces king, strong floor and upside combo.
- Espinoza: Explosive ceiling but expensive – expect returns if San Jose are firing.
- Rusnak & Dreyer: Slightly risky, but both offer potential attacking value.
⚔️ FWD – Bouanga ($10.5M), Josef Martinez ($9.5M)
- Bouanga: Set and forget with high upside.
- Josef: Could be replaced. Tani or Martinez (HOU) being considered.
Bench:
- Frei (GK): Could step in for Gallese if transfer made.
- Roldan (DEF): Useful bench depth.
- Bombino (DEF): Enabler, probably stays benched.
- Messi (MID): Undroppable but uncertain. Still likely to be included depending on minutes news.
🔁 Transfer Watchlist
OUT Options:
- Gallese (GK) – High price, funds could be used elsewhere.
- Josef Martinez – Form inconsistent. Likely to be replaced.
- Pidro – Minutes unclear.
IN Considerations:
- Evander – In form and on set pieces. Premium mid with upside.
- Mihailovic – Consistency + bonus magnet.
- Pereyra – Budget-friendly, nailed creative engine.
- Tani or Corey Baird – Budget FWDs who allow midfield upgrades.
🧠 Strategic Notes
- Captaincy secured on Ojeda: good matchup and guaranteed minutes.
- Messi dilemma: Keep as luxury bench asset or start if fitness confirmed.
- Midfield is strong and balanced, though shifting to Mihailovic or Evander might offer better point potential.
- Gallese out could free up $2–3M for a midfield/forward upgrade.
- Consider rotation risk for some mid-tier defenders (Pidro in particular).