With the transfer market on hold both home and abroad, MLS clubs who hadn't quite put the finishing touches on their roster build are in a holding pattern.
Inter Miami still have a third Designated Player spot they have been public with their intent to fill while D.C. United were linked with adding another defender in the early stages of the season before the league shut down after the second week, are a few that come to mind.
Between now and whenever the transfer market is up and running, clubs are faced with uncertainty. All they can do is stay ready.
“We’re going to be prepared, we’re doing all the work behind the scenes to be prepared for the next window," United GM Dave Kasper told MLSsoccer.com. "We’re taking this a week at a time. We want to be prepared and see what options are out there.”
With all the variables across the world, narrowing down a shortlist isn't entirely easy. While most transfer windows come with a strong dose of unknown, this summer is unprecedented.
It's unknown exactly which players will be available and, perhaps more importantly, when.
While France and Belgium have ended their 2019/20 seasons, other countries like England are intent on finishing theirs. Another hurdle is securing visas for international players, with much travel restricted and cautions being taken to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“We cast a wide net," Kasper said. "You have your lists, positions you’re looking for with all the various options out there. We have a big database of players. Things always change, you always want to be prepared and in-tune with the market.”
Scouting is still full speed ahead, thanks to modern technology. Extensive video is available on the club's targets, making it easy to keep evaluating on the player acquisition side. D.C. use the popular platform called Wyscout to continue watching film on targets.
“I think there’ll be a lot of free agents available in the summer," Kasper said. "I think global football is going to recalibrate, there will be opportunities out there that we haven’t seen in the past several years.”
