Rumors of Carlos Ruiz's departure from the Philadelphia Union have been swirling around for a few weeks. Now, reports have surfaced that Mexican side Veracruz has bought out his contract, clearing the way for him to leave the Union. The Brotherly Game, SB Nation's Union blog, translated a story that suggests Ruiz was so keen on leaving MLS that he even offered to buy out the contract himself:
Transfer Rumor: Veracruz Reportedly Buys Out Carlos Ruiz’s Union Contract
The initial conversations establish that Ruiz offered, with the backing of Veracruz, to pay the buyout clause of the contract to MLS and, in this manner, remain free to sign a contract before the close of registration in Mexican Soccer.
If true, this would seem to be a blow to the Union, no matter how much their fans might believe otherwise. The Union are 6-2-4 in matches Ruiz starts, and just 1-2-3 in all other matches. His five goals lead the team and the Union have not lost any of the five matches in which he has scored. Simply put, the Union are likely to be a worse team without him than they are with him.
For whatever reason, though, Ruiz does not seem to be enjoying his return to MLS, nor have Union fans expressed much appreciation for his contributions. There are some obvious things not to like about Ruiz, not the least of which is a tendency to embellish on a team that prides itself on their hard-nosed nature. Maybe Danny Mwanga and Sebastian LeToux can reform the partnership that was so successful a year ago. Maybe Jack McInerney can get a chance. But make no mistake, all of these things are gambles.
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