Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

February 23, 2015 Twitter

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VANCOUVER, B.C - Pedro Morales and the Vancouver Whitecaps are entering an interesting period of their relationship as the 2015 MLS season approaches. The Whitecaps 2014 leading scorer, captain, and highest paid player will be out of contract by the end of the upcoming MLS season unless a contract extension is agreed upon by both parties before then.



Pedro Morales stepped up into the role as a much-needed 'number 10' man the Caps so desperately seeked last season. He provided an instant spark of offense with 10 goals and 12 assists after arriving from Spanish La Liga club, Malaga CF. His exciting play earned him much admiration from Whitecaps supporters, media, and teammates. Morales also won the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award. When Jay DeMerit retired, Morales took on captaincy duties and remains as the skipper today.



During his first preseason interview back on Wednesday, January 28 it did not take long for an unprompted Morales to talk contract. Morales and his family are happy in Vancouver and it is clear as day that he would like a contract extension with the Vancouver Whitecaps sooner rather than later.



"Now I have this year for a contract. Maybe more I need talk with Robbo, the team, the boss of the club, but I'm so happy here. I enjoy training, the MLS, the people here in the city, and I like the club. My family is happy here, and I like it. If the team says maybe two-year more contract for my situation, now, it's yes."



The Hualpen, Chile native, earned a guaranteed salary of $1,410,900 in his inaugural season with Vancouver. His 2015 salary information is unknown at this time, and it would be a shock if he was on a pay cut this season. The Whitecaps offense was primarily based around Morales as he was an integral part of Carl Robinson's tactual game planning.



If Pedro Morales has a fantastic 2015 season and improves on his goals, assists, and leadership qualities, the Whitecaps will not have the upper-hand in negotiation a contract extension. However if Pedro has a down season and proves that most of the goals continue to come via the penalty spot, the Whitecaps will have him over a barrel.



The 29 year-old Morales must keep improving and show that he still has plenty to offer both on and off the pitch. If last seasons injury niggles pop up early on this campaign and prevent Pedro for being at his best that could be enough to show that he is past his prime.



This is certainly not 'Russian Roulette', but it's a risky strategy for both parties to take to begin a season. The Whitecaps won't want this topic to become a distraction and potential media circus. Pedro Morales has no problems discussing his 'situation' with anyone who has ears.



As of now contract negotiations have not taken place. Everyone will have to wait to see what Pedro Morales brings to the table in his second MLS season.