Brotherly Game Daily Links: Union announce new director of scouting

Philadelphia Union News

Philadelphia Union Announce Jon Scheer As Director of Scouting
In his new role, Scheer will continue to utilize his knowledge of the American market that has brought so many top talents to the Union Academy. His focus will include identifying first team talent in the United States while expanding and leading the club’s scouting efforts internationally.

MLS News

Turner’s shootout saves, Pepi’s winning penalty leads MLS stars past Liga MX stars
Matt Turner and Ricardo Pepi are both enjoying dream years, and both continued their outstanding 2021 campaigns by delivering heroics at the 2021 MLS All-Star Game.

Beyond rivalry: MLS All-Star Game underlines cross-pollination between Mexico, US
Decades of Concacaf Champions League clashes, World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies grew familiarity, then cross-pollination. MLS realized how much could be gained by increasing roster spending and ambition along the lines of Liga MX, how profound the relationship is between the Mexican diaspora and their teams back home.

Sean Nealis signs new Red Bulls contract
Already dominant in the air at 6’4”, Nealis has made massive strides in his organizational and communication skills in the backline, and at just 24 years old is already moving with the confidence of a veteran leader in what is an exceptionally young squad.

Rest of the World News

Champions League group-stage pots set ahead of Thursday’s draw
The four draw pots are now confirmed, with the champions of Europe’s top six leagues, plus the two European titleholders, in Pot 1. Pots 2-4 are built based on UEFA’s five-year coefficient score, which is an average of overall performance.

Manchester City open to Cristiano Ronaldo deal after Harry Kane stays at Tottenham
There is still room in Pep Guardiola’s squad for a striker following the departure of Sergio Aguero to Barcelona, and while privately City are playing down the chances of signing Ronaldo, the idea has not been completely ruled out.

Kylian Mbappe wants to leave PSG amid Real Madrid interest
Mbappe has a year left on his PSG contract and has refused multiple offers of a renewal, meaning the Ligue 1 club risk losing him on a free transfer in June 2022.