The New England Revolution finally revealed yesterday who their Designated Players is. Xavier Kouassi was revealed as their DP. Who is Xavier Kouassi? Good question. Safe to say most soccer fans don’t follow the Swiss League, so its easy to think why this signing isn’t a big deal, signing someone from the Swiss League. Xavier is 26 years old, plays midfield, has played his entire career in Switzerland, first for Servette for 4 years, and now currently at FC Sion since 2013. How ever Xavier wont join the team until July after his contract expires. New England tried to purchase his contract but couldn’t.
What does this mean for Jermaine Jones? With the singing of Xavier many would think he is the replacement for JJ, but it is reported the New England is still trying to re-sign Jermaine Jones.
“The signing was done independently of that. So, they can absolutely co-exist,”
“This is not in place of Jermaine—I want to make that very clear to everyone—this is in addition to, hopefully.” Revs GM Mike Burns told CSNNE’s Dalen Cuff.
It has also been reported that JJ’s 6 game suspension is preventing him from signing a deal any where. FIFA regulations says suspensions carries to all leagues, so even though he is suspended in MLS, if he was to sign with a Brazilian team, German team or any other league, that suspension follows him, and with Europe little over half way through their season, most teams aren’t willing to take that risk. He is also 34, and wasn’t too healthy last season with a sports hernia to start the season before suffering a groin injury end of May.
I hope both sides can agree on a new deal and Jermaine comes back. Hard to argue with having a rotating midfield of Jermaine, Scott Caldwell, Xavier Kouassi, and hopefully youngster Zachary Herivaux can get in on the action.