Selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, the first goalkeeper to ever earn that distinction, 25-year-old Jamaican international Andre Blake is reportedly set to leave MLS at the conclusion of the 2016 season.
Blake originally signed a three-year contract with the Union, earning $138,000 this year, but he’s reportedly going to allow his contract to expire at the end of the season rather than renegotiate a new deal. A pair of knee injuries slowed Blake’s development with the Union, but he’s become the team’s undisputed starting goalkeeper this year while also dazzling with his performances.
Blake was named to the 2016 MLS All-Star team, and he’s played a major role in revitalizing a side that finished near the bottom of the Eastern Conference last year. The Union currently occupy the sixth and final playoff position in the East, ensuring that Blake’s career with the Union goes beyond the two remaining regular season matches.
Only the best. #SavesByDrehttps://t.co/NNY0Xtpw38
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) October 7, 2016
Blake has revealed that he grew up a Manchester United fan, and, given that he’s the most exciting goalkeeping prospect to emerge from MLS since Tim Howard, it’s not unrealistic to believe he could play for the Red Devils one day.
However, the immediate rumors surrounding Blake see him going to Belgian club Genk in January for a possible trial.
Blake has six shutouts in 30 games to go along with 95 saves this season, the sixth most in the league. He also saved the only penalty he’s faced this season.
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