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While other teams were releasing lists of out of contract players and players whose options for 2016 were declined, the news about the Philadelphia Union was a bit different. Danny Cruz - who has been on loan in Norway all year apparently is set to stay on the old continent. This series of tweets from CBS3's Kevin Kinkead and the MLS Transfers twitter account says it all.
Source: Danny Cruz has 2 offers in Europe, MLS return not likely.
— MLS Transfers (@MLSTransfers) November 30, 2015
I can confirm this. Danny will not return to Philly. https://t.co/Ls1hL5Aspa
— Kevin Kinkead (@KevinKCBS3) November 30, 2015
I believe Cruz will still go through re-entry, so his MLS rights could shift even though he's going to stay in Europe.
— Kevin Kinkead (@KevinKCBS3) November 30, 2015
Cruz has battled injuries while with Tippeligaen side Bodø/Glimt, however he did score two goals in eight appearances as Glimt finished ninth out of 16 teams. It remains to be seen who the European clubs are that are reportedly interested in Cruz, as well as what his MLS status will be.
A move to Europe would seem to be a good situation for all involved. The Union would at minimum free up the cap hit for Cruz ($125,000 in base salary) and could perhaps even get a transfer fee for his services (provided his rights stay with the Union), while Cruz gets to further his career in Europe.