Potential free transfer targets for the Philadelphia Union

Players all over the world will soon have their contracts expiring, and we all know that the Union love to sign players for free (See Tranquillo Barnetta, Ilsinho), so I decided to present some options for the Union with the best fits for free agent strikers, arguably our most needed position.

Dorlan Pabon, CF Monterrey:

Pabon is a versatile player, having played in La Liga with Valencia, and is currently in Liga MX. His current team, CF Monterrey, participates in the CONCACAF Champions League, so he already has some experience playing against MLS teams. He has scored 6 goals in 10 matches so far this season for Monterrey, however with the emergence of Rogelio Funes Mori, he has not been a consistent starter for them despite having some experience. A move to Philadelphia could be enticing to him if he knew he could be a consistent starter. His salary would put him on equal terms with Alejandro Bedoya, so he may need to go under the DP tag, however his transfer fee would be nothing because he will be out of contract.

Hugo Vieira, Red Star:

The Portuguese striker has only played in nine games with Red Star this season, however he has an astounding seven goals. He is tied for most goals scored in the Serbian SuperLiga, and is averaging a goal scored every 74 minutes of play. While still only 28, he is in the prime of his career and could be obtained using targeted allocation money. He is a very good option for the Union as he can not only play striker, but also is good on either wing, so if they were to bring him in, he could either add depth or start in both the striker or wing position.

Willian, Cruzeiro:

No, this is not Willian from Chelsea, however this Willian is Brazilian too. He has played his whole career in Brazil and has won the Brazilian Serie A three times in his career. Willian is currently with Cruzeiro, where he has 30 goals in his Brazilian Serie A career. Another versatile player, he can play out on the wing or at striker much like Vieira. His contract is set to expire and could also be obtained with targeted allocation money.

Fernando Torres, Atletico Madrid:

The timing seems right for this. Torres' contract is expiring, the Union will have cap space and DP slot open and need a striker, and we need a Tranquillo Barnetta caliber player back in Philadelphia if we want to have any hope of success next season. He is by far the most famous of the strikers mentioned, but I do think he would be great in MLS play and could boost the Union to where they need to be. Torres could be great in Philadelphia as his career is dwindling down, and I would love to see him wear the blue and gold, however if he does come to MLS, its more than likely another team would land his signature. Torres in Philadelphia would be great, but unlikely to happen.