Despite Josue Martinez Joining The Union, Michael Thurk Reportedly Still Waiting On Word From The Team

by Scott Kessler on Dec 9, 2011 5:39 PM EST in Offseason Content

Suspended Augsburg FC striker Michael Thurk is still waiting for word from the Philadelphia Union about signing the German, despite the team having recently acquired Josue Martinez.

Reports out of Germany today continue to discuss Thurk favoring a move to MLS, particularly the United States, with the Union and Vancouver Whitecaps still at the top of his list of possible destinations. The inclusion of the Union is odd considering Philadelphia brought in Martinez, Costa Rican international forward, on a permanent transfer this week. With star forward Sebastien Le Toux, former first overall SuperDraft pick Danny Mwanga, fellow Generation Adidas striker Jack McInerney and, now, Martinez on the 2012 roster, the Union do not appear to be looking for more attacking options. Head Coach Piotr Nowak has stated, however, that the Union are looking to add players at every position except goalkeeper.

Thurk has been linked to the Union multiple times over the past four months after being suspended by Augsburg in August. The 35-year-old withdrawn forward refused to leave the team in a permanent transfer when Augsburg saw him as surplus to requirements for the newly promoted Bundesliga team, even though Thurk led the team in scoring last year.

Augsburg are pushing to move Thurk out of the club to give more room to the team for January personnel moves.

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If we need more front line support, I would opt for some air power.

We need a target man in the mold of Brian McBride to hook up with some pinpoint crosses from Farfan and Torres crosses.

by PhillyHooo on Dec 9, 2011 8:55 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Martinez is supposed to be good in the air.

Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
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by Scott Kessler on Dec 9, 2011 9:34 PM EST up reply actions

Same was said about JDG when he signed.

by AD22 on Dec 12, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

A trade in the offing?

That would be logical. I like both Little Mac and Mwanga, but could easily see one of them being shipped off to a club where he could get more PT . . . especially if we can get a back . . . back.

by tmu on Dec 11, 2011 9:27 AM EST reply actions

The case to trade Mwanga is stronger considering he is no longer Generation Adidas and thus is a big cap hit. I’m not saying that we should trade him, but if we sign another forward, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the way out.

Of course, Mwanga is the type of player who could be sold to a Euro club and get some transfer money for Union.

by Laaaaazzz on Dec 12, 2011 10:57 PM EST up reply actions

Have to agree on both but would hate to lose them

Though I loved Mwanga’s play in 2009-10, I was a bit underwhelmed this year. He seemed to follow the team MO of not forcing play into the box, retreating a bit like Mapp (the one problem I had with Justin). Mwanga has unique height but has not seemed to use it or be targeted in the air.

Can’t wait to see Martinez in the air – maybe he is the answer.

In the end, Nowak has been pretty astute with his moves so I am certainly looking forward to next year – with a little more back-line assistance still to come though I hope.

by PhillyHooo on Dec 11, 2011 12:25 PM EST reply actions

Those are Certainly Options...

But I don’t think you trade 1st round draft picks after just 2 years, especially since they’re both so young. IMO you’re not getting good value from your 1st rd pick if you trade someone like Jack Mc. due to how little he’s played and how young he still is (meaning I don’t think we’d get a 1st rounder in exchange for him currently). I am a believer that his ceiling is still high and will continue to develop. As for Mwanga, I still think he’s untouchable for now despite his drop off in production. He’s still very young also with plenty of room to grow mentally and physically. Personally, i think Mwanga will be a beast for us a few years down the road, once he develops his game more and fills out his frame. I wish he had a little more aggression in his attacks but hopefully that’ll come with time. I do think his hold up play improved and he seemed more confidant on the ball this year than last.

I agree though that we do need more depth in the back and a starting LB is critical…

by Domin8ing the Big Ten(11) on Dec 11, 2011 3:02 PM EST reply actions