Revolution swaps 3 players for Bruce Arena’s Earthquakes

New England Revolution

The former New England coach is expected to bring in a trio of familiar faces.

The Revolution appears to be heading into a busy offseason with a notable trade between Bruce Arena’s former team and his new one.

Arena, the 73-year-old former New England head coach and athletic director, was recently named to the same roles with the San Jose Earthquakes. He resigned from the Revolution in 2023 following an MLS investigation into allegations that he made “insensitive and inappropriate comments,” but was ultimately reinstated by MLS commissioner Don Garber.

As he looks to relaunch the Earthquakes – who finished 2024 as MLS’s worst team – the newly appointed San Jose coach is expected to add some familiar faces from his old Revolution squad.

According to MLS insider Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport, the Revolution are trading midfielders Mark-Anthony Kaye and Ian Harkes and center back Dave Romney to the Earthquakes for “around” $500,000 in general allocation money (GAM) and an international roster spot.

The deal helps free up more cap space for New England, which finished 14th out of 15 in the Eastern Conference. For Arena, the acquisitions could provide some midfield options and more defensive stability to a team that desperately needs them.

Romney, 31, played 27 games for the Revolution in 2024. He was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. His reported departure comes just weeks after the club picked up his contract option, appearing to signal he would remain part of New England head coach Caleb Porter’s plans. His total compensation was reported at $721,667 in the MLS Players Association’s annual announcement.

Kaye, 30, has a cap of $750,000. Unlike Romney, Kaye never really found a consistent role in New England after arriving via midseason trade in 2023. He made 15 starts in 2024 but struggled with turnovers and defensive positioning in Porter’s system.

Harkes, 29, received total compensation of $286,583 last season. He made 17 starts (27 total appearances) for New England last season, playing in a variety of roles as his team struggled with injuries.

All three players were originally acquired by the Revolution while Arena was in charge. Now New England athletic director Curt Onalfo (who once worked at Arena) is trying to help make the roster a better fit for Porter and his style of play.

The process began when the team recently announced its year-end moves, which included the departures of former starters Xavier Arreaga and Dylan Borrero.

“We have created a lot of space,” Onalfo said at a press conference after the squad moves. “So we have room to do things. It will be a very active window for us.”