A Venezuelan striker has been heavily linked to the Philadelphia Union in recent reports. José Riasco, who turns 18 next month, looks to be joining the Union on either a signing or loan from Deportivo La Guara. 

Where will José Riasco play?

An update to the transfer talks cites a fee of one million dollars. This transfer price suggests Riasco will play with the Philadelphia Union II at the minimum. As a center forward for Deportivo La Guara, Riasco has scored four goals and recorded two assists in 16 matches.  

Venezuela has become a country Philadelphia Union scouts focus heavily on. Jose Andres Martinez and Jesus Bueno both moved their way up the soccer ranks through the Venezuelan league. Now, the Union are being linked to three young Venezuelan players, with the most recent being José Riasco.

The Union currently have three strikers on the roster, but it’s being heavily reported that Danish striker Mikael Uhre is on his way to the club. So, I wouldn’t expect to see Riasco play any minutes for the Union first team unless a COVID-19 nightmare happens again.

The Union’s roster is slowly starting to take shape. However, there is still one major domino yet to fall. All-Star left- back Kai Wagner still hasn’t been moved after expressing a heavy interest to play in Europe. The Union recently signed left-back Anton Sorenson to a homegrown contract, but I doubt he would start this season if Wagner were dealt elsewhere. 

The Union head to Clearwater in February to continue their preseason training as we are five weeks away from the start of the 2022 MLS Regular Season. The Union look to make their way back to the Eastern Conference Final after last year’s COVID-19 outbreak that basically ended the season.

Mandatory Credit: Deportivo La Gaura