On Thursday Major League Soccer released a list of 62 players eligible for the 2014 Re-Entry process set to begin with the Stage One Draft via teleconference Friday afternoon at 2pm CT.
Six players that were on the Chicago Fire roster and had their 2015 options declined by the club, appeared on the list: Patrick Ianni, Hunter Jumper, Steven Kinney, Sanna Nyassi, Gonzalo Segares and Bakary Soumare.
One player whose option was declined but did not appear on the list was Brazilian utility player Alex, who opted out of the Re-Entry Process, earlier this week. That decision signals the player will likely return for a fourth season in Chicago in 2015.
Alex's versatility has proven useful over the years. The 26-year-old has played in 83 competitive matches for the Fire since his debut in June 2012, filling in throughout the midfield, as a forward at times and most recently at left back.
Fire players have opted out of the Re-Entry process in the past.
In 2013, Logan Pause and Chris Rolfe went through the first phase of Re-Entry before opting out of the second a week later. In 2012, Segares was on the initial Re-Entry list before opting out and re-signing the day before the first phase.
Because clubs must exercise the 2015 option salary on a player selected, there is typically less action in the first phase of the Re-Entry Draft.
Next Thursday's second phase affords clubs the ability to make what MLS deems a "bonafide offer" to any player they select in the week immediately following the draft. If an agreement isn't reached in that time, the club holds the MLS Right of First Refusal on the player.
The Chicago Fire pick fourth overall in both Friday's first phase and Thursday's second phase.
Click here to see the draft order and full list of players available.
