New England Soccer Today

Trialist Lekic a tough buy

While Danish trialist Rajko Lekic may appear a solid answer to the New England Revolution’s lack of proven goal scorers, actually signing the striker may not be so straight forward. The Revs attempted to sign the 29-year-old from his current club Silkeborg IF in the offseason only to see the deal fall through and there is little to indicate a deal will be any easier now.

“He’s one of the players we tried to sign and thought we had done,’’ Revs head coach Steve Nicol told the Boston Globe. “We’re going back with him and we’re talking again.’’

While the veteran striker was allowed to leave his team this week for a trial as the club had a break in their schedule, Silkeborg hardly seems ready to sell. According to a report out of Denmark, the club expects Lekic to return on Friday or Saturday and would prefer to sell him in August. The transfer window in Denmark is currently closed, making it impossible for Silkeborg to sign a replacement.

The article indicates Silkeborg could be willing to sell now, but likely at a larger fee than during the summer and the club was unaware if the Revs would be willing to pay it. Silkeborg also indicated the Revs were not the only MLS club interested in Lekic’s services, but that New England’s inquiry appeared to be the only tangible one on the table.

Lekic, listed at 6 feet 2 inches, has scored over 100 goals in his career and recently made two appearances for the Denmark national team. In addition to playing in Denmark, Lekic has played for clubs in Spain and Hungary.

The Revs current striker corps include Serbian veteran Ilija Stolica, Zimbabwean Kheli Dube, second-year pro Zack Schilawski, and rookie Alan Koger. Last year’s team MVP, Serbian Marko Perovic, as well as Gambian Kenny Mansally, second-year pro Zak Boggs, and rookie Ryan Kinne can also play up top, but are preferred in the midfield or a withdrawn role. Stolica looked to be the Revs starting striker heading into the season, but Schilawski got the start in the Revs season opener on Sunday.

The Revs return to action on Saturday in their home opener when they face D.C. United at 4:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.

 

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