Following on the news last month that D.C. United forward Alvaro Saborio was keen on returning to Costa Rica to play for Saprissa (where his professional career began), now comes word that Saprissa’s President Juan Carlos Rojas will begin formal negotiations to bring Saborio back to La S.

Rojas mentions that there have been informal discussions between the two sides, which would seem to hint that Saborio would not return for 2017 to MLS. This would not be surprising for Black-and-Red fans, as Patrick Mullins’ rise in form, and the possibility of Alhaji Kamara’s return in short order from injury will almost certainly replace him on the depth chart for forwards. Combine that with the likelihood that he would not be protected in the 2016 Expansion Draft in December, the writing would appear to be on the wall.

Saborio scored 4 goals and 3 assists in 14 games (8 starts), but has only appeared in 2 games since his last start on July 23, and has not appeared in a match since August 13. His departure, in whatever form for D.C., would open up a senior roster spot, and a salary cap spot which remains unknown, despite his salary ($420,000 base, $535,500 guaranteed) on the May 2016 MLS Players’ Union salary list.