Neco Brett leaves Birmingham Legion

As had been generally anticipated, rumors concerning Neco Brett’s departure from the Legion to New Mexico United were confirmed today. Neco had not been listed as a returning player in the Legion’s early roster update, but many had expected this to be a matter of contract negotiations. If that was so, then the Legion evidently got outbid. Details of the contract have not been released (they remain subject to league and federation approval, but that is essentially a rubber stamp).

That being said, Neco is continuing his professional career path of playing at a team for only two years. To date he was with Portland Timbers 2 and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds before coming to Birmingham.

Neco led the Legion in scoring both seasons he was here, notching 9 goals in the COVID-shortened 2020 season and 18 this year. Of his 62 professional goals 44% were for the Three Sparks.

With Junior Flemmings also likely on his way out (despite having had his option picked up), apparently to promotion-chasing Toulouse FC of France’s Ligue 2, JJ Williams’s contract option being declined and Jaden Servania out of contract, the Legion finds itself with a worryingly deep hole at forward. The recent signing of Macky Diop will fill part of the void, but clearly more signings will have to be made before 2022 kicks off.

Even so, many thanks to Neco for his invaluable contribution to the Legion, and all the best to him (except when he plays us, of course; those 4 goals in 2019 on the Legion is enough already)!