Less than 24 hours after reports came out about Philly potentially paying $1.82 million for Dániel Gazdag, the signing was made official by the club! Gazdag’s grit, creativity and versatility will be a welcome sight to the Union’s attack, but there are questions about when he’d actually first play for Philadelphia. Those questions may have just been answered by Jim Curtin who wants Gazdag in Philly ASAP!
Curtin wants him in Philly ASAP
Curtin spoke briefly to the media today ahead of the Union’s midweek match against the New England Revolution about this new acquisition. He noted that the process was a long one and that he and the club utilized zoom to meet with Dániel. As Jim went on, he said something that likely made some Union fans’ heads explode.
“Our goal is to get him here as quickly as possible to try to get him to play for D.C. United (May 23), maybe even Red Bulls (May 15). … We want him here before the June break.”
Jim Curtin
Hearing this come from Jim Curtin is very intriguing. The Union has had a major issue with attaining visas for international players, especially during the pandemic. So why would Curtin talk about having Gazdag in the squad in what could be as soon as Saturday?
Does Jim know that this process was a much smoother one? Has sporting director Ernst Tanner used more of his magic to get Gazdag here sooner? We can only hope that Curtin’s comments are not a smokescreen meant to make the opposition scramble to scout a guy that might not even be there.
The nitty-gritty of the deal
Dániel Gazdag is now a contracted player for the Union! His contract is a two-year contract with club options for a third and fourth year. The contract is most notably not one of a designated player (DP). Ernst Tanner has worked his wizardry yet again.
Tanner has found a true playmaker whose versatility makes him fit multiple spots in the Union’s lineup. Whether it’s at attacking midfield, as a second striker or as a shuttled midfielder, Gazdag will give his all for his club. Ernst Tanner said of the Union’s newest player:
“We are excited to welcome Daniel to the Philadelphia Union. He is a versatile player who can play multiple positions in the midfield as well as at striker and has the ability to make an immediate impact. His aggressive style of play has made him a top finisher in the Hungarian league and a good fit for our system.”
Ernst Tanner
Gazdag should be a great Union player for the next few years. The Union might have to manage his fitness to avoid injury early on though. He did just play a 30 game season in Hungary and is likely going to be a part of the Hungarian National Team side at this summer’s European Championship. The Union most definitely got a player that can contribute right away, especially if he’s wearing blue and gold as soon as this weekend!
For more on Gazdag’s potential take a look at Philly Sports Network’s article that goes in-depth on his grit, creativity and versatile:
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Mandatory Credit: Budapest Honvéd FC
