Union making a pitch for midfielder Barnetta
The Union are making no secret of their desire to acquire midfielder-forward Tranquillo Barnetta, who has been on Switzerland's roster for the last three World Cups.
The Union are making no secret of their desire to acquire midfielder-forward Tranquillo Barnetta, who has been on Switzerland's roster for the last three World Cups.
Barnetta, 30, practiced with the Union at PPL Park on Friday. The Union (6-11-4) were preparing for Sunday's Major League Soccer game at D.C. United (10-7-5).
"He is here seeing if Philadelphia and MLS is a fit," Union technical director Chris Albright said. "It is a player whose pedigree speaks for itself, [being] in the last three World Cups. We are hopeful we can get it over the line and right now there is a feeling out process."
Barnetta was all over the field during the workout.
"He is a great player, he is making a big decision right now," Union coach Jim Curtin said. "You can see his quality in training and he has done it on the world stage."
The Union have to gain an international spot to sign Barnetta.
Albright said the Union are at their full limit with seven international spots. MLS allows teams eight, but the Union traded one on Wednesday along with Sheanon Williams to the Houston Dynamo for general allocation money and future considerations.
According to Albright, the Union is working on changing the status of a few internationals, which would free spots. In addition, the Union continues to try to deal another international, goalie Rais Mbolhi, who hasn't played since the fifth game following a falling out with the team.
Notes. Defender Richie Marquez (ankle) returned to practice, but only jogged on the side and won't be ready for Sunday. Neither will midfielder Andrew Wenger (concussion). Michael Lahoud (hip pointer) remains out.
