Tajouri-Shradi is the most likely player to be selected and the only one (or one of two) I believe that is a realistic possible loss.
Charlotte's roster is limited, but they currently have far more defenders than attackers:
The official roster of Charlotte Football Club of Major League Soccer.
www.charlottefootballclub.com
Of those defenders, they have a veteran left back in Fuchs that they likely paid a decent amount, and they just acquired Lindsey, a young right back from SKC. I suspect that for an expansion squad that they already feel committed at those positions. Assuming that is accurate, that has Gudi (out of contract), Malta and Anton as less likely to be selected.
Rocha, Vuk, Mizell and Torres all seem to be replacement level players.
That leaves Maxi, Shradi, Mitrita and Medina.
Maxi is the best, but they won't get him to agree to a contract, especially for one year. I also have to believe after years of service that NYCFC cleared it with him before leaving him unprotected. That happens all the time in other sports.
Mitrita would - I suspect - still be under loan parameters. At a high salary and available for only the end of the year, I cannot see him being the choice.
Medina is out of contract, and I cannot see Charlotte matching any offer from NYCFC or a South American club. Also, correct me if I am wrong, but didn't Jesus have a slow time adjusting to life in the U.S.? Granted, it is years later, but I cannot imagine there is a prime Paraguayan community in Charlotte.
That leaves Tajouri-Shradi. I appreciate all he has done - we all love those half cross, half shot free kicks that always seem to go into the back of the net. However, for NYCFC he has had an injury history, and I cannot see him supplanting the expected starters for next year. For Charlotte, he is likely at a salary that is worth a gamble on his health. They also need attackers.
I put it at 50/50 he is selected. If I am Charlotte, there are other names that intrigue me more for cost or age or production:
- Hyndman, Emerson
- Cruz, Allan
- Rubio, Diego
- Quintero, Darwin
- Mabiala, Larrys
I am sure I missed others at first glance.