As fans sit with bated breath to see what could unfold during the summer transfer window, MLS executives also eagerly anticipate the changing tides.
LA Galaxy general manager Dennis te Kloese envisions an altered landscape, one where new options could present themselves as clubs do business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions also linger as to how, or if, FIFA will factor the public-health crisis and soccer stoppage into deals.
"The player topic is really interesting and really important to look at," Te Kloese told TUDN.com in a Spanish-language interview. "We're closely following it because obviously in some leagues there will be opportunities for players. I think everyone is waiting to see what will happen and how the transfer market will adjust in the summer, in the winter and next year. I think there will be a pretty important adjustment when it comes to salaries and transfer fees."
Austin FC sporting director Claudio Reyna spoke to a similar dynamic last week, namely that some clubs will be forced into business decisions due to financial constraints. Without games being played, revenue sources have simply dried up.
Specific to the Galaxy, Te Kloese spoke in general terms about their aims as the Secondary Transfer Window (July 7 to Aug. 5) comes into view. The Primary Transfer Window is also currently on hold. They were heavily linked to defensive reinforcements this past winter, in addition to landing left back Emiliano Insua and marquee forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez.
The price point and urgency levels could adjust this year and well into the future. It’s all a work in progress as the market fluctuates and responds to COVID-19’s impact.
"We're closely following the players that we've been tracking since last year," Te Kloese said. "We'll see. Maybe among these players there's someone who's a fit for us.
“We're also waiting to see how the market is going to move – how it's going to adjust – because it will be different from the way it was, that's for sure. Now there are a lot of teams [around the world] with different priorities, above all getting back to a certain income level and being active. And this will take time."
For more from Te Kloese, check out the full story here.
