2025 Roster and Transfer Discussion Thread

I agree it's unreasonable to ask Lee to bully CFG into changing his constraints. Also, some of the constraints are MLS rules combined with poor moves. We have multiple dollars, Garber bucks, and specialized roster slots taken up by players who haven't worked out. It's tempting to blame Lee for that situation, but he's dependent on CFG scouting.

There are so many ways this is not completely or even primarily Lee's fault. Despte that, I'm guilty of blaming Lee as the front man as a short hand for the team behind our roster disfunction.

Lee is responsible for understanding MLS and ensuring NYCFC’s success. His job is to assess what works, communicate that to CFG, and vet players based on MLS fit—not a scout in Argentina. Scouts find talent; Lee determines if they can adapt. Sims made it clear that Lee designed the roster-building model, so he can’t be praised for its success but absolved when signings fail.

The only way Lee isn’t accountable is if he has little say in player selection, which Sims’ comments contradict. The only potential exception is Jovan, whose attitude issues should have been caught in scouting. Still, since Lee designed the strategy of using U22 spots on raw, high-upside prospects, he owns that decision too.
 
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