The striker that the New England Revolution have been searching for might be one that they used to have.
Juan Agudelo has turned down a contract with 1860 Munich and could be ready to return to New England, according to a report from Ives Galarcep of Goal.com.
Agudelo spent the second half of the 2013 MLS season with the Revs, meshing well with attackers Diego Fagundez, Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe. Agudelo helped the Revolution earn a playoff berth, their first since 2009, and come within a goal of making the MLS Cup.
Agudelo left New England at the end of the 2013 season with his sights set on joining Stoke City of the English Premier League. Unable to secure a work permit, the striker was loaned to Eredivisie side FC Utrecht. Here, he scored three goals in 14 games, which wasn't enough to win his appeal for a work permit. Soon after the second rejection, Agudelo became a free agent.
In the months that followed, Agudelo has been linked with several teams, including Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga, Wolverhamptom Wanderers of the English second division and Orlando City SC of MLS. The latest reports indicate that Agudelo could be on his way to New England.
The Revs, who retained Agudelo's rights by extending a bona fide offer once his contract expired, would certainly welcome the Colombian back into the fold. Agudelo has the skills to play in Jay Heaps' preferred formation while also being a comfortable fit in the locker room.
The Revolution's roster currently includes two pure strikers in Charlie Davies and Sean Okoli. Davies performed well heading into the playoffs last year but it's still unknown if he can handle the rigors of a full season. Meanwhile, Okoli has only played 19 MLS minutes. The team also has striking options in the form of Teal Bunbury and the on-loan Jerry Bengtson.
While Agudelo has taken an extended break from professional soccer, he still has a lot to offer at only 22 years old. The Revs, who have already been recognized by some as the favorites in the Eastern Conference, would improve their chances of returning to MLS Cup if Agudelo is added.