http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...h-overseas-players.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football As it appeared in the Sun, where ESPN probably copied it from whilst omitting this detail:
Taison was transferred for $20M this very winter period. But I suppose they're trying to make the system less ... eh, riggable and MLS players wouldn't have the $1.6M to invest anyway. FWIW, the old "college degree" trick that some alleged about Greg Dalby trial with PNE a few years back must have never even existed.
I would think it would be pretty easy to get to $1.6M if you get a nice premier league contract and buy a house and a couple of cars etc. I would also imagine that their was a certain amount of time over which the money must be invested. I suppose it could be an up front payment, but I doubt it.
It's upfront, just like in the US ($1.5M in real estate or $1M in business). But, while Taison might have £1M upfront, a Geoff Cameron would have to hawk his undies to get $100K.
*Would have had to Sure Geoff could walk into any bank in England with a couple pay stubs and get a loan tomorrow
I don't think you can just buy a house and call it a day. Usually calls for an actual business that employs so many people to count. Don't think too many Yanks will be using this option, unless the Gates kids decide they want to play in the UK.