FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – If you went to bed early on Tuesday night then one of the most noteworthy deals of the Primary Transfer Window went down while you were sleeping.
Completed at the latest of stages and announced less than an hour before the close of the window at 11:59 p.m. CT, the New England Revolution sent longtime midfielder Lee Nguyen to expansion club Los Angeles FC in exchange for $700,000 in allocation money, with that figure potentially rising as high as $950,000 – plus a first-round SuperDraft pick – based on conditions of the deal.
The move sends Nguyen to the Western Conference, where he’ll team up with former U.S. National Team head coach Bob Bradley and former Revolution teammate Benny Feilhaber.
“I spoke to Lee this morning. He thanked us for everything, I thanked him for everything, and I wished him the best of luck,” said head coach Brad Friedel. “I’ve said many, many times, there’s never been a personal issue at all between Lee and myself, and I sincerely hope he enjoys his time at LAFC.”
While Nguyen, who held out for the first three weeks of preseason camp this year, didn’t feature in a match-day squad under Friedel, he does leave Foxborough firmly entrenched in the club’s record books.
An MVP finalist in 2014 when he scored 18 goals – an MLS record from a midfield position – Nguyen is currently second in club history in goals (51) and assists (49), totals he racked up in 191 regular-season appearances for the Revolution after the club claimed him off waivers in 2012.
“On behalf of the club, I’d like to thank Lee for his years of service,” General Manager Michael Burns said in a statement. “Every decision is made in the best interest of the club, and we feel this move helps strengthen our team now and puts us in the best position to succeed in years to come.”
The move strengthens New England by adding at least $700,000 of allocation money to the budget – split evenly between Targeted Allocation Money and General Allocation Money – with the potential for more based on certain conditions being met. Those funds will aid the Revs in their quest to bolster the squad when the transfer window re-opens in July.
“When the transfer window opens in July, we hope to add at least two more faces if we can get the deals over the line,” said Friedel. “Before you ask the question, no, I’ll not tell you who we’re thinking about.
“But rest assured, anybody that we bring through this door is going to be in the hopes of making the squad stronger, more competitive, players fighting for their places, all with the onus on trying to get three points.”
In the meantime, all parties move forward following Tuesday night’s deal. Nguyen will prepare to potentially make his LAFC debut this weekend against FC Dallas, while the Revs head north of the border for a Saturday afternoon meeting with the Montreal Impact.
“We’re really happy with the squad, really happy with the team spirit, and looking forward to the Montreal game.
“We wish Lee all the best at his new club. We have a dressing room full of committed players and we look forward to the season.”
