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How does Alan Pulido fit into Sporting KC’s rebuild?
At what point should SKC consider buying out the massive contract for the struggling striker?
A rebuild is on the horizon for Sporting KC and the most expensive player on the roster, Alan Pulido, is failing to make an impact. Should SKC consider biting the bullet to buyout the striker’s contract?
In last Tuesday’s US Open Cup Semifinal, Pulido missed his third PK in a row dating back to last year. It was at the end of the match, the game in hand, and against a lower league opponent. If there was ever a chance to get back your confidence… that was it.
The 33-year-old has scored just four goals since signing his new contract one year ago. He does have seven assists since then, including three massive assists in the two-match playoff win over St. Louis City. But Pulido hasn’t scored an MLS goal since April and his last assist was back in May. William Agada, his counterpart, has taken over the position for a fraction of the cost. The fans can see it. His opponents can see it. Pulido is leaking confidence.
At what point does Sporting KC need to consider the option of buying out his massive contract? Is that even feasible?
The Mexican international has a salary of $3.6 million in this first year of a three-year contract. Alan will be 35 when it ends in 2026. Beyond that, the rest of the details have not been made public. It’s unknown how much Sporting KC are due to pay him over the next two years.
The Shades of Blue crew discusses Alan Pulido’s struggles and what to do with his contract on the latest episode. The show also covers Sporting KC falling upwards into the CONCACAF Champion’s Cup.
They also discuss the USMNT roster for the upcoming friendly against Canada at Children’s Mercy Park. Stephen Afrifa, called up to Canada, has a chance to keep an insane stat alive for SKC should he make an appearance.
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How does Peter Vermes figure into rebuilding sporting? If he was the man for the job, he would’ve done it the first time. I wouldn’t worry about anybody else on the team until we get a new manager.
Answer: It should’ve happened already.
Moreover, re-signing him was ludicrous. And should’ve been evidence Vermes needed to be gone.
Yeah why would anyone in their right mind re-sign a guy like that?
Because if paying for past success was all you had to do to forecast future success, we could all be halfway decent GMs. It was a big move that carried risk that has bombed — hard, unfortunately.
And if a GM was a fortune teller they wouldn’t bother being a GM. Yes there are lots of factors (age, health, positioning, etc.) but past success is weighted higher than anything else when considering future success. Very smart people who get paid lots of money to do this made the decision to re-sign and everyone whose ever played FIFA manager mode is sure they’re smarter. I agree he’s been a bust, but saying the signing was “ludicrous” is just off base.