New England Revolution rumors: Joris Kayembe would be a great addition
The New England Revolution rumor mill has been quiet in the past few weeks. We have seen former USMNT and Real Salt Lake player Bobby Wood sign for the team as a striker from the Re-Entry Draft.
As well, the Revs have signed soon-to-be homegrown Santiago Suarez as a hopeful future center-back.
Now, there is confirmation that New England has put an offer in on a Belgian defender, Joris Kayembe.
Kayembe is mostly a left-back but has also played in a left midfield position, as well as a left winger.
New England Revolution: Joris Kayembe is interested in the offer but loyal
Joris recently spoke to Benjamin Helson of Le Soir in an interview and asked (in french, below is translated):
"“You have offers from New England in MLS, which are not enough, but is this a challenge that can interest you?”"
To which Kayembe responded (in french, below is translated):
"I know that with this offer, other players would like to leave directly, but I try that everyone agrees and that everything goes well. In any case, I will never force my departure."
The left-back also notes that it is interesting and he is flattered by the offer. He is very adamant about being loyal to Charleroi at all costs, which is admirable of him. It has been said that the offer to the club is around 1 million euros.
The website Transfer market values Joris at around $2.2 million dollars. This has come down in the past few years after his time in the Belgium senior team camps and friendlies in 2020. It seems likely that the two teams can meet in the middle somewhere and get this deal over the line at around $1.5 million.
The contract offer to Joris is enough to convince him. Kayembe was offered a four-year contract with the team. I’d guess that it is three years with an option year. If the team can get this over the line for less than a max salary budget charge (in 2023, $651,250), I’m on board. Joris is making under $200,000 at Charleroi.
The Revs have a need for his ability
Kayembe is known for his defensive ability in a left-back position. As I’ve been hearing, the player was approached with the idea to be in the left position of three defenders at the back. In that case, it seems likely that DeJuan Jones would not be replaced but pushed up the field a bit more to streak into the attack. The New England Revolution could use that offensive boost that they lacked last year.
This fits with Jones’ previous abilities, as he was a forward at Michigan State, but could easily slot into a wingback or left midfield position. It’s no secret that Jones has attracted interest from the Bundesliga. So, in the end, having a versatile left-sided defender like Joris Kayembe come in would be worthwhile. If not to cause competition for the position, just to sure up the spot in the case that Jones does end up leaving.
Kayembe in his 2020-2021 season with Charleroi was top 2 in the league for won tackles. As well, in both the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons, while he played, his team scored more goals than were allowed. The more impressive was the second of those seasons, where the team collectively scored 10 more goals than they allowed.
Want your voice heard? Join the Chowder And Champions team!
Also, Joris is effective in getting into the attack. In the past four seasons, as a left-back, he scored three goals and helped others to score 13 more through assists.
Can the New England Revolution sign him?
New England currently have plenty of international spots to spend on him, so no worries there. The cap space to make this happen is definitely there as well, due to the players’ options that were not taken. If Charleroi can get the amount wanted for Kayembe’s transfer, I think this is a reasonably possible transfer.
The New England Revolution can use his ability in the left-back position. Someone of serious competition to help defend Djordje Petrovic and his goal. If Charleroi can make a good return on him, then it works out for all of those in favor. This is the important part, as Kayembe does not want to push his way out of his current team. He likes the
The only question I would have is about his injury background. The player suffered a couple of ACL injuries while in France with Nantes, basically missing almost whole seasons, twice.
Next. New England Revolution rumors: 5 intriguing free agent targets. dark
Since then, the player has featured heavily for Charleroi after the transfer from Nantes. Only the Coronavirus and a muscle injury have caused Joris to miss games. If we can be sure his ACL injuries won’t flare up here in New England, there is a lot of positivity for this transfer to go through.