Well, it seems like Cory Gibbs will be the only European-based player in the U.S. camp for the Canada game (source: U.S. Soccer Wire - December 30, 2002): GIBBS ADDED TO MNT ROSTER: Defender Cory Gibbs has been added to the U.S. MNT’s January roster and will make his U.S. training camp debut with the team convenes Jan. 3 in Bradenton. The FC St. Pauli-based defender was previously invited to train with the U.S. during their trip to Germany last year, but a hamstring injury prevented his participation. Gibbs, 22, is currently spending the winter break from the Bundesliga at his home in Plantation, Fla. The addition of Gibbs brings the U.S. training camp roster to 28 players. Given that Pauli are dead last in Bundesliga Zwei, does this indicate that Gibbs may be shopping himself around to MLS? Or does this mean anything at all?
If I remember correctly the LA Galaxy drafted him a couple years ago. I am not sure what the rules are in the MLS, but I am assuming that if he decides to come to the MLS, which would be great, I think the Galaxy would get his rights.
Gibbs is tied to St. Pauli through the 2003-2004 season. Even if they relegate to the third division his contract is still valid according to Olaf on Yanks Abroad.
The item from U.S. Soccer clearly states: It's not like he was busy. I wouldn't read into this too much as far as Gibbs moving to a different club. Bruce has been trying to get a look at the kid without jeopardizing his club situation, where he's been starting pretty consistently. This sounds to me like simply a case of him being available.
Yeah but if he really is good enough to be a 1BL player, and good enough to get a shot on the national team, I'm sure Pauli would be quick to sell him to MLS if they could pick up a decent amount of cash (say 200,000$ or so). It's hard to say really, but it would be great if he came back, and that 5th round pick that Sigi spent on him would be one of the best draft picks of all time =)
Well, that's a great theory, except for two things: First, MLS ain't about to pay St Pauli squat. They don't ransom American players from overseas. Second, in MLS you get a player's rights for two years. Gibbs was drafted in 2001.