Transfer Recap: Revolution Sign Luis Diaz, Transfer Esmir Bajraktarević
Luis Diaz arrives in New England while Esmir Bajraktarević heads off to Europe.
The New England Revolution midfield saw some changes Thursday afternoon as the club welcomed a familiar face to Major League Soccer while simultaneously completing the first sale of a Revolution Academy product to Europe.
Weeks after Estefan Monge reported interest, the Revolution signed 26-year-old winger Luis Díaz on a free transfer from Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa. Díaz’s arrival in New England sees the Costa Rican sign a one-year contract through the 2025 MLS seasons with club options for 2026 and 2027.
It appears Díaz’s move will not tie up many roster-building mechanics as the winger will occupy a spot on the supplemental roster and will not require an international roster spot as Díaz has his green card.
Diaz is no stranger to Revolution head coach Caleb Porter or Major League Soccer. The Costa Rican joined Porter’s Columbus Crew side in July 2019 and helped Columbus secure the MLS Cup title during the 2020 Covid-shortened season.
During his professional career, which includes spells with Municipal Grecia, CS Herediano, Deportivo Saprissa, Columbus Crew, and Colorado Rapids, Diaz has appeared in 213 matches and has tallied 13 goals and 31 assists.
Considering the connection between Diaz and Porter plus their history together, Curt Onalfo called the move “an easy decision”.
On the other hand, Thursday saw the Revolution announce they had transferred Homegrown winger Esmir Bajraktarević to Dutch Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven. The move marks the first time a Revolution Academy product has been sold directly to Europe.
The Appleton, Wisconsin native joined the Revolution Academy back in August 2021, where he began his career with Revolution II. After making 11 appearances with Revs II in 2021, Bajraktarević became the ninth Homegrown signing in Revolution history on May 23rd, 2023.
During his time with the Revolution, Bajraktarević appeared in 57 matches, where he tallied five goals and four assists. His time in New England saw his international stock rise as he received call-ups to the United States youth national teams before his senior national team debut on January 20th, 2024.
Despite ascending to the US national team, Bajraktarević made the switch to represent Bosnia & Herzegovina, where he’s made six appearances since debuting on September 7th, 2024.
“We are happy to facilitate this well-deserved move for Esmir, which will allow him to continue his development in one of Europe’s best leagues for young players,” Onalfo said. “We are proud that Esmir’s rapid ascent through our pro pathway has positioned him to take this next step in his journey. His success is a credit to his work ethic and professionalism, which will serve him well at PSV. We thank Esmir for all of his contributions to the Revolution.”
Has the fee for Esmir been announced anywhere?
Why Diaz? Why now? He was not even that productive in his last year--made only 23 appearances between Rapids and Saprissa. Hasn't been a first-team, top-league starter in two years.