Of course it is! Reasons: 1. transfer money is big money for MLS teams 2. when Europeans see how well "Yankees" can play the game, we will be given more respect and get more publicity overseas. 3. Our Natioanl Teamers then get more experience and we are better nationally. MLSers to Look for: Taylor Twellman, Revs Landon Donovan, Quakes DaMarcus Beasley, Fire Clint Mathis, Metros Freddy Adu, USA U-17
your second and third reason offer nothing good for MLS. european respect and a quarter won't get you a phone call. who cares? also, landon won't get any transfer money for mls because leverkeusen owns his rights. also, freddy doesn't have an mls contract and so mls won't get any money for him and transfer for twellman will be next to nothing. and mathis beasley won't exactly be breaking the bank. keep 'em here where american fans can watch them. ticket sales and tv ratings are what's needed for mls's future.
Its a catch 22. Players will get better playing in Europe but how do you convince people to invest their time in a team where their best players just leave. The Metros are finally doing well this year and now Tim Howard might just leave in the middle of the season to go to Man United. I can see why he would want to go because its the opportunity of a lifetime, but that doesnt do much for the metros fans. I can see the disgust now when Paul Grafer lets in his first soft goal.
Is anyone concerned about the fans here that MLS already has?? I understand the business aspect of selling off some players, I understand all too well. If they sell off Howard, I can see it making sense for MLS for strictly financial reasons. But don't try to claim that this helps MLS here in the States. For attracting fans or media attention, it just doesn't. For the typical American sports fan, he is used to having the leagues here being the standard for their respective sports, being the goal that the atheletes and the fans strive for. Selling off our best, especially in mid-season, feeds into the perception that MLS is a minor league and not deserving of media attention here. At the very least, the transfer of Howard , if it is to happen, should not take place until after the MLS season is over. Why should MLS be telling its supporters that our season is less important? Are we not important?
Excellent post AZ quake. At the very least, wait to transfer him until the season is over. If they don't that shows little respect for their fans. Your also right that it fosters an image of mls being a minor league and not worthy of first rate media attention.