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With twitter going up in flames today about what a possible announcement, set for tomorrow, could be from Sporting Kansas City, we thought we'd throw in some of our ideas (some of which may be a little more valid than others). Set to speak at the event are head coach and technical director, Peter Vermes, club President, Jake Reid and part owner Mike Illig.
There will be a "major club announcement" for Sporting Kansas City tomorrow morning.
— The Blue Testament (@BlueTestamentKC) November 28, 2016
Speculate away.
Peter Vermes Contract Extension
We've heard different rumblings with how long Vermes' current contract is for. Some say he has another year, others say he has an option for that year and it's actually up. It's hard to know what is true. With all the speculation that he could get the USMNT job Sporting KC no doubt want to lock him down for the foreseeable future. Or at least until Bruce Arena stops being the coach after the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It seems odd to call a press conference for a "major announcement" for a contract extension.
Probability: 40%
Peter Vermes is Leaving
While this would crush some and make other very happy, it's hard to see this happening either. Some have speculated wildly that he could be taking the LA Galaxy head job (though that'd be LA's announcement to make) or that he's going to be an assistant under Arena with the USMNT (US Soccer's announcement to make). Last offseason Vermes himself admitted there was interest abroad for him to take a job elsewhere. He is very successful and that's always still a real possibility.
Probability: 20%
Sporting KC are Announcing a Big Signing
For the last several years SKC have been in desperate need of a superstar on the wing. If that signing was about to happen it would definitely be worth calling a press conference over. It doesn't seem like a player like Fausto Rossi would be on that level. Both because he's not likely to be a Designated Player and he is a midfielder. At the same time it would seem likely that a big signing would leak out in advance and there haven't been any other players floated as possibilities.
Probability: 30%
Cassius Dwyer has Signed a Pre-Contract
Sure, he's not even a year old but he is the son of American Soccer Royalty. Having a dad who plays for Sporting KC (Dom Dwyer) and a mom who plays for FC Kansas City (Sydney Leroux Dwyer) makes you a prime candidate to get signed at any age. And look what he can do with a ball already!
You can call him... Cashinho. pic.twitter.com/FldgX9HzIW
— Sydney Leroux Dwyer (@sydneyleroux) November 28, 2016
Probability: .005%
Sporting Park is Expanding
With the club President (and former head of Sales) Jake Reid present as well as a portion of ownership, it's always a possibility extra seats are being added to Sporting Park Children's Mercy Park. They have always said they needed a certain amount of season ticket member reservations and they have sold out the stadium for years in a row. They would definitely need to announce it early because it's going to take a while and likely means a lengthy road schedule in 2018 or whenever things get started.
Probability: 11%
Robb Heineman is Out
Strangely missing from the press conference is Sporting Club CEO, Robb Heineman. Some are speculating he's out as CEO. That would be hard to imagine but shake-ups happen all the time. Sporting have been very successful since the sale of the club and subsequent rebranding. Having met Robb, I hope it's not true. He's a super nice guy and seems like he genuinely wants to do what is necessary to win.
Probability: 3%
Benny Feilhaber Going to Camp Cupcake
Benny should definitely be in the mix for the USMNT going forward. That said, this is something US Soccer should be announcing and it'll be included along with ALL the other players that would be getting called into camp.
Probability: .0008% (It'll happen, just not in this press conference)
Selling Erik Palmer-Brown to Porto
EPB is on loan with Porto in Portugal and the club has an option to buy. As recently as last week Vermes said he expects EPB back for the preseason. That could just be a coach being a coach since nothing was official yet. I would expect this news as a press release though, not a press conference. That's not likely to be what we hear tomorrow.
Probability: 2%
Sporting are Signing Ronaldo or Schweinsteiger
It's so unlikely it get it's own category. Bastian Schweinsteiger reportedly has a deal on the table to join the Chicago Fire for $16.5 million. They can have him. Ronaldo, sure, we'd take him. Why not sign Messi and Neymar too? I'd say Gareth Bale, but he just got the biggest contract ever. That said, Vermes hates over paying for guys. Thanks for the suggestion though guys.
@BlueTestamentKC FINALLY! RONALDO!
— KarelHill (@HillKarel) November 28, 2016Probability: .0000000000000773238%