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With rumors swirling about a potential move to Cyprus, the New England Revolution and left back Alexander Buttner agreed to part ways via a mutually terminated contract.
The 31 year old Netherlands native with Ajax youth and Manchester United experience made 17 appearances for the Revs in 2020, with 15 starts and 3 assists. Buttner had a guaranteed contract for 2021 and was signed as a long term option for the position long held by Chris Tierney. Alas, these things do not always work out with Buttner picking up a few knocks during the season and missing some time and you know, that global pandemic that shut down sports for a few months didn’t help either.
I think the Revs agreeing to release Buttner, who originally signed as a free agent, rather than negotiating a potential transfer fee is the right call and in the best interest of both parties. 2020 was not the year to have high expectations for anything, but I personally loved this signing last year and hoped Buttner was going to be a starter for a few years in Foxboro. The Revs instead will look ahead to solidify a position that has been unsettled in recent seasons.
New England lined up a replacement in Christian Mafla, a 27 year old left back from Colombia, who was the first major signing of the offseason on December 21st. DeJuan Jones also proved capable in the left back platoon, making 18 appearances with 13 starts in 2020.
The Bent Musket staff thanks Alexander for his time here in New England and we wish him well in his future playing endeavors whether they are in Cyprus or beyond.