With a firm target date for both preseason (February 22) and opening weekend in MLS (April 3), things are starting to fall in place for the 2021 season.
All clubs have been conducting their offseason transfer business accordingly anyway, even with the continued uncertainty and difficulties the COVID-19 pandemic produces, with international additions coming slower than most offseasons. By this time last year, 15 players were signed from abroad to Designated Player deals. It's been much slower this year with only one new DP from abroad.
FC Cincinnati, like all other MLS clubs, are still working through their lists of targets and priorities.
“No. 10 is a priority, winger is a priority, center back is a priority and No. 9 is a priority," Nijkamp told media on a virtual press conference Thursday. "There are a lot of players on the market. I think it’s an advantage for us when the windows in the world closes but ours is open until the beginning of May. I’m very positive we’ll fill our needs.”
Indeed, most European transfer windows close on February 1 while MLS's typically extends through the beginning of May. There have not been official dates announced yet, but the transfer window here will remain open for a while longer.
Players looking to depart MLS teams won't be able to sign for European clubs, giving Cincinnati (and other MLS clubs) the inside track. With that in mind, as well as the desire to ensure the additions are right rather than rushed, Cincinnati aren't worried about the timeline.
“We have to find the right players, who fit our roster and fit the way we think we can be a winning team," Nijkamp said. "We’re working hard to get these additions, but I cannot put a timeframe on it. … We’re on the right track.”
Cincinnati have already made a few additions.
They acquired left back Ronald Matarrita from NYCFC, added rising attacker Ben Mines via the Waiver Draft, signed goalkeeper Cody Cropper then selected a handful of players at the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. Those picks were headlined by No. 2 overall selection Calvin Harris, a forward out of Wake Forest.
“We are always looking to young players with an upside at our club, but sometimes young players need experienced players around them to grow," Nijkamp said. "That’s a balancing act. In our scouting process, we are looking at young prospects with upside but don’t be surprised that we also look at players with more experience.”
