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Disclaimer: It’s been brought to my intention that the person behind this rumor, Pat Benjamin, often posts fake rumors. We’re leaving this article up as a thought experiment about what the Revs could do in the off-season.
Bruce Arena is interested in bringing Gyasi Zardes to the New England Revolution, according to independent journalist Pat Benjamin.
In the event that FCC and Columbus figure out terms in a prospective Adi deal, I’m hearing that #NERevs have significant interest in Columbus and USMNT forward Gyasi Zardes.
— Pat Benjamin (@PatBenjamin_) November 9, 2019
Zardes, 28, has been with the Columbus Crew since 2018. The striker signed a multiyear contract extension on May 13, making him a Designated Player with a guaranteed compensation of $1,421,667.
Zardes has collected 32 goals in 61 appearances with the Crew. In sum, he’s amassed 66 goals and 19 assists in 192 MLS appearances.
If this move does materialize, Zardes would be reunited with Arena, who signed him to a LA Galaxy Homegrown contract in 2013. Zardes’ second-best season occurred in 2014 while he played for Arena. That year he collected 16 regular-season goals en route to helping the Galaxy lift an MLS Cup.
The Revs are in need of a striker, so there could be some legs to this rumor. Zardes could line up as the No. 9 with Gustavo Bou playing underneath him. Zardes’ job would be to stretch the back line and finish opportunities that came to him inside the box. Of course, the success of this plan would rely on quality service coming from wide areas.
Remember, this is the off-season and rumors are normal. There’s going to be a lot of chatter—some legitimate, some not—happening in the coming weeks. For now, this rumor is just something to keep in the back of your mind.