CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union midfielder Amobi Okugo is interested in embarking on a European adventure, and the upcoming offseason may provide the perfect opportunity.
That's because Okugo's MLS contract expires at the end of the year, and Union interim manager Jim Curtin even confirmed in recent weeks that the long-time Union player could explore overseas options. But Okugo also wants to make sure another thing is clear: He’ll only leave MLS if the perfect opportunity arises.
“Some guys, they’re so focused on going to Europe they don’t look at all the aspects,” Okugo said. “You don’t want to just go to go. You want to go to a situation that you feel is right.”
What are the factors that would make it the right situation? Okugo cited the opportunity for playing time and consideration of his family as two big ones. Even though he grew up watching the big European teams, he’s come to realize that MLS is just as competitive as many of the leagues overseas – and says the parity here makes it even more appealing.
At the same time, because he has not yet talked with the Union technical staff about a new deal, the 23-year-old realizes the timing could be on his side to make the leap.
“With my situation, because I’m a free agent, I have a little bit more leverage with teams not having to pay for a transfer fee,” he said. “But there are a lot of other aspects. We haven’t really sat down and made a decision on whether I’ll stay with the team. I haven’t been formally offered anything. I think everyone’s just waiting until the season’s over to clear our heads and go from there.”
While the Union are loaded in the central midfield, losing Okugo would still be a big blow. The only player who has been with the team continuously since the beginning of their expansion season in 2010, Okugo has shown his quality at both center back and central midfield since he was picked sixth overall in the 2010 SuperDraft.
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After failing to see much playing time in his first two-and-a-half seasons in the league, Okugo has become a regular and made his 100th MLS start in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City.
“I remember my first start – vs. KC away on their baseball field [in 2010],” Okugo said. “To have my 100th start here in front of the fans was great. I’m really grateful. I’ve come a long way from two years ago. I feel like I’ve grown up tremendously in MLS. I feel like I can continue to grow here if it happens. I feel like I can grow in Europe too. It just depends on the situation.”
Dave Zeitlin covers the Union for MLSsoccer.com. Email him at djzeitlin@gmail.com.
