Is Kwadwo Poku on the outs at New York City FC?

Former Atlanta Silverback, Kwadwo Poku, is having a head-scratching beginning to the 2016 MLS season. After enjoying a breakout 2015, he began the the first match of the season for NYCFC on the bench and in the second match he didn't even crack the 18-man matchday squad. Something is going on. But, what?

It's possible that Poku's absence from the club's plans are that simply the rate other midfield options over him.

Then there's the possibility that his omission from the matchday squad is strategical. Poku is a very valuable trade chip to have in your club. If you deem him a surplus to your needs, the smart thing to do would be to protect him in case a trade was on the horizon. A hurt trade chip isn't valuable at all.

There are plenty of teams around MLS that would love to add Poku to their roster and it's obvious that he's not dramatically important to the NYCFC cause. If they get an appropriate trade offer for him, it's likely they'd be willing to part with him.

As for Atlanta United, it's obvious they need players. Would they possibly have any of the assets that NYCFC would be seeking? It's unclear what type of Allocation Money or draft picks Atlanta has available to them currently. However, if this Poku saga drags on for the long term, you can bet that Atlanta United will do whatever they can to get him on their inaugural roster.