Union Reportedly Close To Finalizing Deal With Gavilan Gabriel Gomez

by Scott Kessler on Dec 15, 2011 3:36 AM EST in Offseason Content

HOUSTON - JUNE 22: Freddy Adu #20 of the U.S.A. attempts to control the ball as he his defended by Gabriel Gomez #6 of Panama in the second half at Reliant Stadium on June 22, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Union are finalizing a deal with Panamanian international Gavilan Gabriel Gomez, according to a report by Presna.com. MLS Rumors first spotted the story earlier today and pointed out that Gomez has a history of success against Panamanian CONCACAF rivals.

The 27-year-old has spent much of his career with an inability to become settled in nearly every city Gomez has attempted to play. Presna's article went so far as to note that Gomez has managed to play in four countries already in his nine year professional career. Gomez's settling issues may remind Union fans of former Philadelphia central defender Juan Diego Gonzalez's similarly well-traveled resume.

Gomez split time in 2011 between Mexico and Colombia, after being released from his contract in Cyprus after only 11 games in the Mediterranean island country. The midfielder has had times of top level play, despite his constantly changing place of employment, earning him a three year contract in the Portuguese top league, which included a 300,000 euro transfer fee.

In 65 appearances for the Panamanian national team, Gomez has scored seven goals, well ahead of his scoring rate for club teams (11 goals in 209 games).

Tweet Comment 10 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Nowak has put out hints about needed to challenge the younger players. Assuming Gomez does sign, two of the bigger signings to start the offseason have been to bring in Martinez (challenge to Mwanga and McInerney) and Gomez (jumps in front of Okugo presumably).

It’s going to be interesting heading into 2012, because a lot of these younger guys have been fan favorites. What I see a lot on Twitter is how people want to see these younger players (add Torres as well) get their chance. There’s a bit of a disconnect at this point, whether the future really lies in these draftees from the last couple of years.

by earl_of_reed on Dec 15, 2011 8:31 AM EST reply actions

International Spots?

with Khalfan, Martinez, and Gomez (if it goes through), what will be the # of our international players now? We’ve got to be getting close to the limit, and while I will reserve judgement on Gomez because I know nothing about him I’ll also admit I was hoping for a bigger splash than what seems like an international journeymen type player to occupy an international roster slot..

by Domin8ing the Big Ten(11) on Dec 15, 2011 8:42 AM EST reply actions

I Slots

Mondragon
Valdes
Tait
Daniel
Khalfan
Houapeu
Torres
Martinez
Paunovic

already on the roster. Meaning we are already 1 above where we need to be come roster compliance time in March.

by PSPTim on Dec 15, 2011 9:12 AM EST reply actions

Hmmm… doesn’t bode well for at least one of Tait, Houapeu, Torres, and Paunovic I’d say.

by danielfarrell on Dec 15, 2011 9:17 AM EST up reply actions

And I’ll say, I’m nervous Torres isn’t coming back. He’s been my favorite player, but it just seems that between having Adu and our homegrown players all being similar positionally it seems like Roger may be one we don’t commit to.

by danielfarrell on Dec 15, 2011 9:20 AM EST up reply actions

Out of that list

I think Levi is the odd man out.

by phillyhoosfan on Dec 15, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

I was at the SuperDraft when Mwanga and Mac and Okugo were taken. I love the speed and creativity Torres brings. Having said that, if the players coming in play better or harder, well, that’s what it’s all about. I won’t wring my hands that Jack won’t develop because he’s behind Martinez. He’s had 2 seasons to impress and claim minutes in training and game action. I want the best XI on the field, not the ones whose jersey I bought.

by scottymac on Dec 15, 2011 9:48 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

agreed!

I agree as I also want the best 11 on the field. The international slots cause quite a bit of internation mystery (cue the Austin Powers theme song) Daniels and Torres are still up in the airin regards to visa and loans respectively, Tait never saw the field and Levi never saw the field, but is considered “off the books” since he has an apprentice contract and is only making $30k. Nowak was quoted as saying that he is looking to add 3-4 more players so for all we know, they could all be gone……

by dangeroo on Dec 15, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

I agree with you. It’s tough when you’re a new team trying to earn fans and sell “the future” in a package of youth. But prospects are not stars, and if you have the finances to bring in better talent, then so be it.

by earl_of_reed on Dec 15, 2011 10:43 AM EST up reply actions