Claude Dielna. (David Silverman/New England Revolution)
Much of the blame for the New England Revolution’s shortcomings in 2018, the first under head coach Brad Friedel, stems from a disproportionate outlay of salary for center backs.
Before the MLS secondary transfer window closed Aug. 8, the Revs already had Claude Dielna ($909,861; Designated Player), Antonio Delamea ($400,008), Jalil Anibaba ($90,000) and Nico Samayoa ($54,000) on the books, per the MLS Players' Union.
Then, with the signing of former Nottingham Forest captain Michael Mancienne on a free transfer, add on another $1.3 million, the highest of any defender in MLS. That brings the Revs' center backs totals to $2.75 million, nearly two thirds of the league's salary cap this season ($4.035 million).
