FloFC continues its series looking at major difference-makers on the MLS trade market and what potential trades might be on the horizon, this time featuring Philadelphia’s Bosnia midfielder.
Click here to read the first installment of the series featuring Joao Plata.
Haris Medunjanin, Philadelphia Union
Philly’s possession-focused style last year featured Medunjanin as a centerpiece. His 13.6 touch percentage led the team—surprisingly ahead of active midfielder Alejandro Bedoya—and he dictated their play with the ball as a deep-lying defensive midfielder. Bedoya’s ground-covering and the Union’s possession masked Medunjanin’s defensive deficiencies.
New sporting director Ernst Tanner took over for Ernie Stewart this offseason. Tanner’s philosophies could drive Medunjanin out: Tanner wants to promote young players and development (Medunjanin is 33) and he wants to speed up the team’s style of play, possibly with an emphasis on counter-pressing.
Tanner’s two initiatives do not speak well for Medunjanin’s Union future. The presence of 21-year-old midfielder Derrick Jones adds fuel to the Medunjanin trade fire. Jones is better suited for a frantic, pressing style, and Philly will want to get him the minutes he’s long needed to further develop.
Medunjanin’s trade value is difficult to determine; his age and one-dimensional style (he is arguably the best diagonal switch-pinging midfielder in the league, but doesn’t do a ton else) decrease his worth, but his salary is reasonable and good passing defensive mids are always en vogue. Netting a $500,000 return should suit the Union.
Watch Colorado, Houston, Minnesota, Orlando and Vancouver as potential partners. Some of those are more reasonable than others. Orlando and Vancouver simply have vacancies everywhere, and it’s not easy to determine how they will play on the field. The Loons have never had a real, living defensive midfielder, so they’re always in these discussions.
The Rapids and Dynamo feel like the most likely to at least enquire. Imagine Medunjanin hitting quick, perfect switches to a running Alberth Elis or Romell Quioto.
Harrison Hamm is a sportswriter who covers American soccer and MLS for FloFC. He also covers sports for FanSided and The Comeback, and has freelanced for the Washington Post.