With Arne Friedrich making a reported $300,000 for the Fire in 2013, how much does the former German international’s retirement on Sunday affect the team’s salary budget?
Yamith Cuesta after a Fire win in 2011
It no doubt frees up some room but according to Frank Klopas on Tuesday, there was already space there to work with.
“We had planned on giving ourselves an opportunity to bring someone in even with keeping Arne. I think with Arne, we brought Baky [Soumare] in because we need to get another quality player there.
“You look at it now and it’s a long season so our ability to add depth is something we’re looking at. Regardless if this had happened or not, we’d given ourselves the opportunity to make a move if we find the right player.”
Klopas, along with Fire owner Andrew Hauptman and President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon have made no secret that they’re looking to land a significant summer signing when the transfer window opens up next month.
But along the lines of depth in the back, with only five natural defenders on the current Fire roster, perhaps Klopas is referring to former Fire defender Yamith Cuesta who began a trial with the club on Tuesday.
Having appeared in 20 regular season matches for the Fire in 2011, the 24-year-old Colombian center back has since spent his time with Spanish lower-league Conquense, Colombian Primera club America de Cali and Brazilian side Paulista.
