As Sporting KC continue to plot forward toward the 2021 season, they could still yet see a few familiar faces return from 2020.
Roger Espinoza already re-signed following some uncertainty about his future, while fellow club legend Matt Besler moved on to Austin FC. Meanwhile, the status of Felipe Gutierrez and Gerso remain undecided.
“In regards to Gutierrez, we put an offer on the table," head coach and sporting director Peter Vermes told media on a virtual press conference on Wednesday. "Our expectation is we’re going to hear sooner rather than later if he’s a yes or a no.”
Gutierrez, 30, missed the entire 2020 season with a knee injury. He came to SKC in 2018 as a Designated Player and has 19 goals and five assists from the midfield in 52 appearances.
SKC are deep in central midfield. New signing Remi Walter joins an incumbent group of Gadi Kinda, Gianluca Busio, Ilie Sanchez and Roger Espinoza.
Things do not look great for a Gerso return, though.
“Gerso didn’t accept our offer," Vermes said. "He’s not on our roster, so what happens there? I can’t answer that. It’s not like we’re in touch with him every day. He declined the offer we provided. If they wanted to do something, they’d have to reach out to us. The ball is in their court.”
Gerso, who turns 30 in February, has 18 goals and 16 assists in four seasons with SKC. He has made 107 appearances under Vermes, including 73 starts.
SKC signed three academy standouts to Homegrown contracts this week and could be active during the MLS SuperDraft 2021 presented by adidas on Thursday.
The players in negotiations with the club are one variant to a fluid offseason. The global pandemic continues to make scouting and acquiring players all the more difficult.
“We still are looking to add players to our roster," Vermes said. "... As much as we’d like to say we have this incredible plan, which we normally feel like we do, now it’s about adapting and adjusting to the ever-changing environment.”
