5 Names from the Allocation List that the Revs could sign

On Wednesday, the New England Revolution grabbed the second spot in the MLS Allocation Order in a trade with the San Jose Earthquakes. The Allocation Order is used to determine which MLS teams have first dibs on select Senior and Youth U.S. National Team players, as well as returning players who garnered a transfer fee of at least $500,000.

The trade could be a sign that the Revs are preparing to make a move when the Secondary Transfer Window opens or it could mean nothing at all. Since it’s silly season in MLS, let’s assume the former and look at five names that the Revs could be looking to add.

1. Tim Ream

The Revolution defense hasn’t been great and Ream could slot in anywhere along the back line. Whether playing as Antonio Delamea’s partner or as a left back, Ream would be an instant upgrade. Unfortunately, reports are indicating that Ream is heading back to Fulham.

2. Jorge Villafana

No USMNT defender has seen his stock rise more than Villafana. Once burdened with the title of reality show winner, Villafana has established himself as a premier left back while playing with the Portland Timbers and Santos Laguana. The 27-year-old has seven national team appearances, recently playing against Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup Qualifier. Is he ready to return to MLS? I’m not so certain but he would definitely fit a need for the Revs.

3. Oriol Rosell

Adding a defensive midfielder might not make a lot of sense with Xavier Kouassi, Gershon Koffie, and Scott Caldwell on the roster, but Rosell could bring some stability to the position. After all, Kouassi has dealt with a couple of injuries in the past year and Koffie is only here on a one-year loan. Meanwhile, Caldwell works better with a partner. Throw in the fact that Rosell plays for Revs’ partner Sporting CP, and you have to admit that there’s a chance that he’s primed for a move to New England.

4. Aron Johannsson

Looking at the opposite side of the field, Johannsson is an intriguing name. The striker was once considered the future of the UMSNT but that talk has quieted with each injury. At 26 years old, Johannsson is ready for a career renaissance and he has hinted at a summer move. That said, I’m not certain that he’s an automatic upgrade over Juan Agudelo and Kei Kamara.

5. Obafemi Martins

The Revs need a striker who just needs one opportunity to score. That player could be Martins. The former Seattle Sounders man is making bank in China but that league isn’t exactly stable. At 32-year-old, Martins could be looking for a return to MLS and the Revs would be foolish to pass on him.