Aside from the requisite "Gazza to MLS" rumors, and the afore-discussed signing of the Korean defender, has anybody heard any rumblings about foreign aquisitions so far? Each of the past few off-seasons, there have been noteworthy (not necessarily successful) foreign signings. You'd think MLS would have more buying power than ever before in Europe, with their depressed player market. Maybe the league concentrating more on keeping its quality, proven American players than brining in foreigners whose contribution may be questionable. Or should we expect some movement after the Superdraft?
I wouldn't expect too many serious rumors until the UEFA January transfer window passes. Lots of guys have been rumored. Grimandi to Colorado, obviously. Other potential transfers names included--with various levels of believability--Numan and DeBoer of Rangers, two players on the Honduran National Team, Batty of Leeds United, Hwang of the Korean National Team, Kucharski of the Polish National Team, and a few more. There's also the rumors of American's potentially returning home with Stewart of NAC Breda leading the way. Also, Lewis, Moore and Hejduk are possibilities. Young American Phil Salyer will be returning from Werder Bremen as well. Well, that's a start. I'm sure most are false leads, and many others I'm missing, but hopefully that helps ya. -Tron
expect more movement in the way of signing "free agents" after the date that teams have to be within the cap (jan. 3, i believe) this metro-united trade should open up movement inside of mls
There's also a rumor about Zizi Roberts possibly going to Colorado, it was just on some funky African site though, and the URL seems to have been lost in the Great BigSoccer Crash.
I wouldn't expect Eddie Lewis to come home hes doing very well with Preston. Hejduk said he hates it at St. Gallen, and obviously Joe-Max Moore can't play for Everton anymore, and their isn't much of a chance for him to find another team in England, Earnie has said that he'll be in MLS in 2003 has he not? I'm excited to see Earnie play in MLS.
IMO: 1. Earnie's MLS career will be underwhelming and make us appreciate our MLS talent all the more. 2. Any MLS team would be foolish NOT to sign Stewart if they had a reasonable shot at it. He's a model professional who's somehow never lost his enthusiasm. As a marquis US veteran, he would be, in effect, Harkes without the attitude, a hardier Wynalda - with heart. And the professional experience he brings with him would be a boon to any team, making him like another coach on the training and game field.
I think Earnie Stewart coming to MLS is going to be the biggest acquisition this season. He is a proven player who is also familiar to most American soccer fans. And he also has at least 2 years left of high quality play. He's probably going to LA so it might be a good combo with him and cobi on the wings.
There was talk around the DCU/Tottenham friendly about David Ginola going to DC, but that has really died down, especially if Etch is going to re-sign. I hope MLS doesn't want Numan. I remember him talking about MLS as a possibility because he thinks it would be a laid back retirement league. We've had enough former Huns in MLS who've had that attitude. *cough*Richard Gough*cough*
From www.3rddegree.net Irish U-21 Stephen Higgins to join Burn for Preseason training on Feb 7th. According to his agent, Stephen has asked for his release from Everton Football Club because his family is relocating to the United States. New England, Chicago and Kansas City all expressed interest, but Stephen chose Dallas "due to the location and coach Jefferies attitude towards bringing him in." Higgins had signed a three year deal with Everton last summer, his manager David Moyes claimed he was his best kept secret since Wayne Rooney and had hoped he could make his full premiership debut sometime in the new year. Stephen recently made his first appearance with the Irish U-21's. A strong and exceptionally hard working central midfielder, Higgins has been called the "new Roy Keane." Perhaps some of his talent is demonstrated by interest from Sir Alex Ferguson in late October. "Stephen is very excited about going to Dallas and the people of Dallas should be equally excited at getting such a raw unspoilt talent." says his agent Patrick Moriarty, S&F Representatives
i believe that story might be a hoax. according to internet searches and several everton fans, there is no such player.
Either that or " raw unspoilt talent" means: 'A guy no one's every heard of before now.' Of course that would make comparisons to Roy Keane a bit premature - but this was an AGENT talking.
http://www.soccer365.com/EUROPEAN_NEWS/Rest_of_Europe/page_109_43713.shtml Grimandi to Rapids still alive.