Rumor: Tomáš Vaclík Not Returning in 2024
Sources close to WPRO's Tom Quinlan say the club is set to buyout the Czech keeper's contract.
It appears the Tomáš Vaclík era in New England will come to an end before it even begins, as WPRO and New England Soccer Weekly’s Tom Quinlan reported the Czech keeper will not return to the New England Revolution in 2024.
Vaclík arrived in New England on August 26th after the Revolution transferred Djordje Petrović to English Premier League side Chelsea. Once Vaclík touched down in Foxboro after obtaining his Visa, many expected Tomáš Vaclík to come in and be a solid presence in goal. Yet, concerns around Vaclík’s fitness rose.
Before the September 30th home match versus Charlotte, Revolution radio announcer Charlie Davies said on The Soccer Show that “he’s (Vaclík) not as sharp as you’d like at this stage.”
It looked like things were heading in the right direction as Tomáš Vaclík traveled with the team for their October 7th road match against Orlando, where Vaclík was an unused sub. Yet, that was the last time we’d see him featured on a gameday squad in the 2023 regular season.
During the Supporters Summit hosted by The Rebellion, President Brian Bilello revealed goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock “is making the decisions and he’s picking the best guy that he thinks wins.” A day before the Revolution began their 2023 playoff run, Vaclík posted images from training to his Instagram story. Vaclík added that he’s “feeling good, fit and ready 🔥💪”. Vaclík did not travel to Philadelphia for the Revolution’s 3-1 loss in Game 1.
With Tomáš Vaclík under contract for 2024, sources told Quinlan that “the Revs are buying out his contract.” Thanks to the MLSPA Salary Guide, we can see Vaclík has a yearly guaranteed compensation of $436,944.
Considering the Revolution already used their buyout on Jozy Altidore in June, the timeline on when we could see this supposed buyout is unknown.
Could've used that buyout on Sweat. What a huge own goal by the club. Wow.
It would be nice to have a Soccer Director on board to make decisions like this. Have no idea why the Revs need over 4 months to "hope to hire" someone. Lots of more decisions coming up very soon ...