Transfer Rumor: European Interest Remains For Noel Buck
Even with a lack of playing time, Noel Buck could be headed to Europe
While Noel Buck has spent most of the 2024 season on the bench, he could be in line to make a summer move.
According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, Buck is receiving interest from the United Kingdom as well as Germany and Belgium. Buck holds a UK passport on top of his U.S. passport.
The young midfielder has only played 187 minutes this season after appearing in 32 matches last season, scoring three goals and an assist. Matt Polster and Mark-Anthony Kaye appear to be the preferred midfield duo of Caleb Porter.
Bogert also mentions in a section of his Summer Transfer Window primer titled “Time to move on,” that Giacomo Vrioni is underperforming (I can confirm).
“Not all outbound transfers are cause for developmental celebration. Some clubs will be trying to unload underperforming players if they can. In MLS that’s particularly important to balance the salary cap,” Bogert wrote.
An outbound transfer for Vrioni seems unlikely unless the Revolution take a massive discount. New England would also be on the hook for a massive amount of money even if MLS added a second buyout. While a trade in MLS is another possibility, Porter appears to rate the striker so it is hard to see Vrioni leaving mid-season.
Considering his lack of playing time, it would make sense to transfer Buck. While his value on the transfer market has likely shrunk since 2023, they could still receive a decent amount of money for the youngster’s services.
I’m sure the Krafts are thrilled that Buck’s value plummeted since we implemented our new system of not attacking ever in favor of having a kick around 60 yards from goal to get those possession numbers up
Of course his value is going to drop if they don't play him. Similarly his performance is going to drop if he never gets any steady playing time.
Porter settled on Kaye and Polster as his dmids, but neither have played well enough that they should be untouchable. Buck hasn't gotten a serious opportunity since early in the season.