One day after the MLS secondary transfer window opened, FC Cincinnati general manager Gerard Nijkamp spoke with reporters and outlined the team’s roster-building plans. While he wants to make personnel moves, he pumped the brakes on incoming singings – at least for now.
“We must be realistic,” Nijkamp said Thursday afternoon during a media video-conference call. “If we move players, yes, then we have room to maneuver. But right now, one (roster) spot, we have a little bit of cap space, but that’s it. So, we must be very creative to do some movements this window.”
With an open roster spot, the club can sign one more player before any incoming signings would need at least one outbound departure. Additionally, Nijkamp said the club doesn’t have an open international slot, but multiple players are in the process of receiving a Green Card.
“Step by step, we try to improve, but we know what we also have,” the GM said about the current roster. “Let’s see what’s happening (in the future).
“The rumors are there and that means we are not sitting still in our chairs. We are really busy … to get players in, but also to see if players in our current roster may be better to move away because they have more chances in other clubs. It is a continuous process.”
Transfer wishes and transfer needs
Nijkamp hinted at three position groups where he’d like to strengthen the squad: the backline, the midfield and the wings.
The Dutchman said he wants to add starters on the backline who are “decision makers, so not for depth.” Additionally, he mentioned pacy wingers and another option in the midfield.
“There is also in the way (head coach Jaap Stam) wants to play in two systems that you need not only players who are very comfortable on the ball and using that technique … but we also need pace,” Nijkamp said. “On that part, we feel and Jaap feels that we can improve and that we have to improve.”
As for midfielders, Nijkamp mentioned the team has a lot of options currently at center mid, but he’d like to see “more different types than we have now.”
He said he tried to move center midfielders during the offseason, but those moves didn’t happen – and benefited FCC.
“(There were) player who were a little bit not in the plans of the coach who was before in our club, and now they get a chance and play matches,” Nijkamp said. “Caleb Stanko is an example. I don’t want to hide behind that. Caleb is a good example on that part ... The light will always come for you as a player.”
Perhaps the light will come for other players on the roster, who await the league’s in-market restart next Friday night.
FC Cincinnati will play three of their next four matches at Nippert Stadium, beginning with the home opener against D.C. United on Aug. 21. As for the secondary transfer window, it remains open until Oct. 29.
