Deadline day deals are overrated. Sure, they make for exciting news stories, but I’ve always felt like the excitement of the day makes most of those transfers feel rushed and a little under-the-gun, putting unnecessary pressure on the players coming in. So, we here at MNUFC opted for a twist on the usual narrative: all of the deadline day drama with none of the deadlines. The best of both worlds!
I was — hopefully obviously — kidding in that lovely intro you just read. Rather than a straight transfer, Gressel joins the Loons via waivers, as Miami chose to relinquish his services for the Black and Blue to pick up. So, while this isn’t necessarily a true deadline day deal, it’s a deal that’s happening around deadline day. With the paperwork signed and the brief saga behind us, it’s time to turn our attention to the player himself and take a look at what to expect from the newest Loon in the bunch.
A Proven Presence
Since joining the league straight out of college in 2017, Gressel has made the most of his unique skill set. He’s made 245 appearances for a total of five different teams, scoring 28 times and adding 67 assists. He’s been a consistent starter wherever he’s been, and, save for the beginning of 2025, he’s been among the first names on any team sheet. His MLS journey began in Atlanta, where he helped the Five Stripes to their 2018 MLS Cup triumph before moving to DC United. After serving the struggling Black and Red as well as he could across three seasons, he swapped coasts, making the jump to the Western Conference with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Shortly after making his way west, the German-born playmaker became a U.S. citizen, opening up the possibility of playing for the USMNT. He had already established himself as one of the league’s most capable right backs and a more than competent midfielder, and that was enough to earn his first international call-up in the 2023 January camp. He notched an assist in his international debut against Serbia and went on to join the USMNT for that summer’s Gold Cup.
Since earning his way into the USMNT talent pool, Gressel has joined and succeeded with two different MLS clubs. In 2023, he made his way to Columbus, where he went on to win his second MLS Cup with as many teams. His subsequent move to Miami saw him lift yet another trophy in 2024, winning the Supporters’ Shield in record-breaking fashion and further establishing his pedigree as both a proven winner in American soccer and a key cog in some of the league’s most successful projects.
What to Expect
Gressel champions a kind of playstyle that virtually any team in MLS would welcome to their lineup. His passing range and ball-striking ability put him among the league’s most technically gifted players, and his positional versatility makes him incredibly easy to slot into any formation or tactical setup. He’s played the bulk of his time at either right fullback or central midfield, where his quality on the ball allows him to connect with teammates, drive the ball forward, and help his team add a dynamic edge to their spells of possession.
Among his most exciting attributes is a Kevin De Bruyne-esque ability—yeah, I said it—to send pacey, curling crosses into the box from a recessed position on the right side of the pitch. By constantly threatening to find the forward runs of his strikers, Gressel’s mere presence on the field either stretches the opposition to compensate, or punishes them with goals if they don’t respect his quality on the ball.
With the Loons in need of numbers in both their right wingback and central midfield options, Gressel’s addition not only fits the club’s needs but also adds a dimension to their creative capabilities. At 31 years old, he doesn’t appear to be slowing down either, fresh off of a productive season just last year. His 13 total goal involvements (1 goal, 12 assists) in 2024 showcased some of his best qualities across 32 games (31 starts) played for the Supporters’ Shield winners, which should translate nicely to his new partnership with Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi.
While his quality is without question, he simply wasn’t part of Javier Mascherano’s plans for whatever reason when the new gaffer arrived in South Beach. At his best, he’s one of the league’s most capable creators. At his worst, he’s still a solid piece of any team looking to add quality and leadership to their buildup and possession. In short, he’s the perfect fit for this Loons squad, bringing a starting XI caliber player to fill multiple positions as needed.
