The writing has been on the wall for a while now. Jamiro Monteiro has been traded from the Philadelphia Union to the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Union will receive an international roster spot, $250,000 guaranteed General Allocation Money (GAM), and a possible $200,000 extra GAM if Miro reaches certain performance metrics.
Jamiro Monteiro joined the Union on loan in March of 2019. Miro impressed, earning him a full transfer to the Union as a Designated Player in January of 2020.
His last action for the team was captaining the Union in their first-ever Eastern Conference FInal appearance.
Why the Move Happened
You can chalk this back to last season, where Miro left the squad for a few weeks, amid unhappiness with his family’s visa issues and not being able to see the in Philadelphia.
After no transfers took place during the summer window, Miro returned to the Union to finish the year. Once again, in the off-season, no substantial offers were there. Thus, Sporting Director Ernst Tanner had to look within MLS.
While there was never a public dispute or drama, it became very apparent Miro did not want to be in Philly anymore. This likely led to the fairly small return the Union got for the Designated Player.
The move gives the Union 2 more international roster spots, getting one from San Jose and getting back the one Jamiro held. The Union will also now only have 2 DPs rostered. Opening the door for them to add a 3rd if they choose so
What This Means For The Union
A big discussion this off-season has been the Union’s explosion of depth in the midfield. Miro’s departure opens the door for Jim Curtin to be more flexible in lineup changes.
Last season, the Union signed Daniel Gazdag to be the number 10 (a move that likely drove Jamiro’s unhappiness). Miro’s departure cements Gazdags spot as the 10, with Paxten Aaronson behind him.
As far as opening the door to lineup changes, Miro would have all started most of the games for the Union. They were never going to bring Miro in off the bench as DP and the money they paid for him. His departure opens the door for Jim Curtin to try different lineups.
The most likely benefactor is Leon Flach. Flach exploded onto the scene last year but was likely looking at a bench role this year. With Miro out, the 8 spot in the diamond is likely his.
Now, a midfield with Bedoya and Flach may struggle defensively, but that’s where the young homegrowns can step in.
It’s a Good Move for Everyone
While we can wish the Union got a bigger return for Miro, it is a move that works for everyone.
Jamiro Monteiro gets a fresh start out of Philly, and San Jose gets a good playmaker for their Midfield.
While the Union adds some GAM, a roster spot, and the ability to rotate the midfield and give other players more minutes.
We thank Jamiro for his time here and wish him the best in San Jose!
Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
The post What Jamiro Monteiro’s Departure Means for the Union appeared first on Philadelphia Sports Nation.