Williams Contract Extension?

(courtesy of sportsvuesoccer.com)

The Philadelphia Union just signed a contract extension with defender Sheanon Williams. The contract lands the US-U23 and potential Olympian in the city of brotherly love till 2015. It has been no secret that the Union have been trying to lock up young talent for the long term since the loss of star forward Le Toux.


In recent weeks it has been rumored that the right back has been seeking a raise from the $42,000 he was making last year to $150,000. For MLS policy it is unknown whether or not he got the compensation he wanted. At the press conference manager Peter Nowak commented, “Better reflects his value”.


Its been a long journey for Sheanon Williams and not many people saw that he would become one of the top defenders in the MLS when the Union first signed him mid way through the 2010 season. Sheanon first gained a trial with the Union and was signed from the lower division Harrisburg City Islanders.


The question that remains to be answered is what are the chances Sheanon actually staying till 2015? A 21 year old who is a talented, athletic defender who wins balls in the air and provides a spark to the offense. Williams has a premium transition game and great fitness. He has a weakness in the air on defending set pieces and at times is too offensive.


If Williams makes the Olympic side and competes this summer, his talents will be on display for the entire footballing world. He could easily be grabbed by an European team and triple what he makes in Philly. Not to mention the success of recent MLS players in Europe makes the league an enticing draw. Clubs can gain a young and talented player for a bargain price.