The summer transfer window for MLS teams is on the final stretch now. Not many teams have been busier in this stretch than the New England Revolution. Adam Buksa and Matt Turner made big moves to Europe whilst Dylan Borrero and Djordje Petrovic have performed well since moving to the States. Not to mention the arrival of Giacomo Vrioni from Juventus. Sebastian Lletget’s shock trade to FC Dallas was the latest on this timeline until Christian Makoun was brought in from Charlotte FC.
The Revolution Confirms the Arrival of Christian Makoun
GAM Is Used to Acquire the Venezuelan
Christian Makoun is a Venezuelan defender that is moving over from new boys Charlotte. The club has revealed the finances involved in this move, he is joining “in exchange for $400,000 in 2022 and 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM), plus additional performance-based incentives.” He only arrived in North Carolina earlier this year following a transfer over from Inter Miami.
New England’s defence has been shaky more often than not so far in 2022. Both Andrew Farrell and Henry Kessler have struggled with injuries at various points. On top of that, Jon Bell doesn’t seem to have the full trust of Bruce Arena plus Omar Gonzalez has made mistake after mistake.
New no. 6 sighting👀 pic.twitter.com/XSgZQfDWcI
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) August 4, 2022
Ahead of the Revs’ visit to Exploria Stadium, where they’ll face Orlando City, both Arena and captain Carles Gil touched on the arrival of Christian Makoun. Gil said that he is “A new player. A young player, and a good center-back. I think we’ll have more players come here.” Meanwhile, the head coach gave his breakdown of the new signing: “He is a good young defender, 22 years old, left-footed center-back, good size physically, experienced internationally with Venezuela. We think he’s a player that can help our team.”
“Experienced internationally with Venezuela” may be a bit of a stretch given that he only has one solitary cap to his name. Granted he has featured for the youth teams but he only just made his debut earlier this year.
Christian Makoun is Soon to be Joined by Clement Diop
Prior to the season beginning, a trio of Gonzalez, Lletget and Jozy Altidore came through the door. The worst performer of them is the only one still in the club. This was after Altidore was able to push through a loan move to Liga MX. Borrero and Petrovic make up for this slightly though and now Christian Makoun has been announced by the club. He could well be joined by another new signing shortly.
Sources tell ESPN that New England has acquired goalkeeper Clement Diop from #InterMiamiCF in exchange for $125k in 2023 allocation money. #NERevs.
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) August 4, 2022
French-born Senegalese goalkeeper Clement Diop is the man in question. As is the case with Makoun, Diop has previously spent time in Fort Lauderdale. It will be Inter Miami that he joins from, having made just three appearances. Prior to that, he had a half-decent few years with CF Montreal but has struggled for regular minutes. It goes without saying that Diop would be a Petrovic backup.
Read More: Sebastian Lletget Trade Sees Him Join FC Dallas
A Busy Window Indeed
As previously mentioned, former Galaxy man Lletget has moved on from New England already. Gonzalez was the defensive player to come in at a similar time and he seems to be another failed Arena idea. Christian Makoun is certainly on the opposite end of the age profile and every one of a Revolution persuasion will be hoping his performances will be at the opposite end too.
Makoun’s ability to deputise in midfield is useful and he can hopefully slot in swiftly. Taking some weight off the shoulders of an over-worked and underperforming backline could see the 22-year-old quickly endear himself to the Gillette Stadium faithful.
