So, it’s just a rumor right now, but there’s definitely some smoke around the possibility of Austin FC midfielder Daniel Pereira (and first-ever SuperDraft pick) heading to another MLS team this offseason — specifically, LAFC.
In response to the rumors floating around, I recorded a semi-emergency podcast segment with my Moontower Soccer friends that went up this morning to talk about it and what it might mean.
There, I floated my theory as to what the end game might be for Verde making this particular interleague trade — allowing Pereira to showcase his talents with another club, Austin retaining part of his sell-on fees, LAFC eventually moving him on to a European club for a healthy transfer fee. If this rumor turns out to be true, that is.
But we also discussed one LAFC player whose status just changed to out of contract: Kellyn Acosta. Perhaps Pereira is being seen as an Acosta replacement by LAFC’s excellent general manager John Thorrington.
Perhaps an available Acosta might be amenable to returning to Texas, then? Specifically, in Verde?
