Migration of Stars to MLS to Continue in Next Five Years

Migration of Stars to MLS to Continue in Next Five Years

Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone! While the United States paused work to celebrate the holidays, MLS was busy receiving come hither glances from foreign soccer stars who, seeing Thierry Henry and Beckham's success in the U.S., have decided that coming to American to finish their career would be most beneficial.

The most recent, and possibly biggest name, is AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who told Voetbal International this weekend that he would like to finish his career in a nice place in the U.S. before retiring. Previously, the striker had said AC Milan would be his last club, but indicates he would love the chance to make a little extra money playing in America in the future. The Swede would be a great get for MLS, as he is one of the world's best goal-scorers and a bona fide star. His play early in the 2010-2011 Serie A season almost single-handedly kept Milan in the scudetto race as well as the Champions League. The one problem is his current contract runs through 2014, so if he does honor his contract it will be a long time before we see him in an MLS uniform.

The second big name is Chelsea forward and former French international Nicolas Anelka, who is under contract in England for the next two years. Anelka has made the rounds in international football, playing for (in addition to Chelsea) Arsenal, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid. Another incredibly gifted striker who even at an older age (he would be 33 in 2012) would be a major contributer to an MLS team. And he has an American soccer connection - his brother is former AC St. Louis coach Claude Anelka, who told a French soccer site "More and more players want to go playing over there. United Stat! es repre sents something. It makes you dream."

A third potential international looking to make an American move is someone very familiar to national team members. Most recently of West Ham, Mexican-international Guillermo Franco is looking at all international options, including MLS as reported by Jeremiah Oshan. His status as unsigned makes him a promising prospect to play in the U.S., and there are clubs that could use his services. But he is also looking at the Middle East and wants to retire at Monterrey, where he was a star in the Mexican league.

Finally, the MLS site mentions that Fiorentina's Adrian Mutu has possible interest in an MLS move. While Mutu is an immensely talented player, the Romanian is coming off a drug suspension and Fiorentina has indicated they do not want to resign him when his contract is up. His baggage may be too much to take on for an MLS club.

These are some big names rumored to be considering MLS and it shows the appeal of the U.S. soccer league. But who do think would be the best addition to the MLS?

View Poll

Related posts:

  • Having MLS Stars Go to Europe is Great for US Soccer and Good for the MLS As Landon Donovan settles into the Everton, Michael Bradley becomes...
  • Red Bulls Get Their First Road Win At RFK In Five Years What in the world is going on with the New...
  • 9 Years Since Attending a MLS Game: What The Experience Felt Like The last time I attended a Major League Soccer game...



    • English & European Football Clubs & Leagues News | Video | Commentary

    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Popular posts from this blog

    The Hottest Tour de France 2010 Podium Girls

    Image
    The annual Tour de France is among the most grueling races in all of sports. But every summer, hundreds of cyclists brave the plains, the mountains, the sun and the rain of France (and often the surrounding countries) to complete the 3,500-plus kilometer trek. But why? Fame? Sure, names like Lance Armstrong, Greg LeMond and defending champion Alberto Contador will go down in the annals of cycling history. Money? Certainly, the winners make some dough from winning and from the sponsorship deals that can result. The challenge of it all? No doubt, there are some competitors just looking to see where they rank among the top athletes in the sport. But there's another reason to race. If you win, you get to stand on the podium with some of the world's most beautiful women. Whether they're delivering handshakes, kisses or the radiant yellow jersey , these ladies serve as serious motivation t...
    Keep reading

    The 25 Hottest NFL Cheerleaders

    Image
    No matter what the situation, you can bet that there will be some sexy ladies on the sidelines cheering them on, just as they have been all season. Cheerleaders are a wonderful part of the game, but it's hard to see all of them during brief appearances during games, and it's way too time consuming to check all of them out online. That's why you have me. I personally looked through each cheerleader in the National Football League and picked out the hottest ones. So for your viewing enjoyment, here are the 25 Hottest NFL Cheerleaders. No. 25: Chiefs—Suzie Kansas City has it rough in professional sports. The Royals are the biggest punchline in baseball and the Chiefs have bombed what looks to be a promising season. KC is lo...
    Keep reading

    The 30 Hottest WAGs in Major League Baseball

    Image
    Baseball is finally back! With the Yankees and Red Sox kicking things off Sunday night, America's pastime is officially back in session. That means another year of home runs and diving catches. It also means another year to check out the finest talent baseball has to offer off the field. With Derek Jeter locked down and engaged to Minka Kelly, what other MLB players will step up as the playboys of the MLB? And what team is the most stacked with six different WAGs on this list? (Hint: It's not the Yankees) So step up to the plate. WAGs may not be as American as apple pie, but they sure are just as tasty. No. 30: Misty Mae Treanor—Matt Treanor (Rangers) It can't be easy when your wife is hotter than you, more famous, and also better at sports, but somehow Matt Trean...
    Keep reading