By Shay Awosiyan
Didier Drogba wants to play in MLS.
It’s summer, and that means its time for a host of aging superstars to be linked with a move to MLS, a league that’s claiming not to be a “retirement league” even after giving a bunch load of money to Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Kaka and David Villa to come over and end their illustrious careers.
Here are the league’s latest transfer rumors:
Didier Drogba wants one more year: The Ivorian legend has ended his second stint at Chelsea and he’s stated that he wants to play one more year before he hangs up his boots. And that was all MLS clubs needed to hear before splashing a mammoth amount of cash in his face. According to reporter Philip Harmeling, four MLS clubs – LA Galaxy, NY Redbulls, NYCFC and Montreal – are interested in the Chelsea legend, with NYCFC already tabling a deal.
Because of his status, Drogba, 37, will not earn less than six digits per week, but is that a good deal for someone who is only interested in playing one year and scored only four goals in league play for Chelsea?
Andrea Pirlo wants to grace MLS with his presence: The fine wine of football could be headed to the North American league. Pirlo, 36, has been a professional since 1995, but as he ages, he continues to get better. The Italian international is the true master of playmaking.
He doesn’t run much, and barely will you ever see him in a full sprint, but he does more than everyone else on the field. Great on set pieces, brilliant with the long ball and magical in tight spaces, Pirlo is one of the main reasons why Juventus is in the UEFA Champions League final.
The man with a magical beard has only a year left on his current contract and he’s said he’ll continue to play as long as he can continue to train hard.
“I won’t stop playing; I’ll go on as long as I have the same great desire to keep training every day,” he said. “Juventus will be my last Serie A team, whatever happens. MLS could be an idea, but for the moment I don’t have anything; Juve are the only thing on my mind.”
The Italian maestro continues to prove that age is only a number and any MLS team will be lucky to sign him. But, will he continue the trend of big international players wanting to only join a team based in either New York or Los Angeles?
Lethal German linked to both New York teams: A few years ago, Mario Gomez was one of the hottest strikers in world, but injuries have taken a toll on him. The German international hasn’t been able to hit it off since he transferred from Bayern Munich to Fiorentina. He’s only scored four goals in 20 league games this season, and has a total of seven for the Italian club.
Even though multiple reports have linked the 30-year-old with a move to MLS, his agent has reiterated that his client wants to stay in Italy.
If Chelsea sends him packing, John Terry will consider playing in MLS: Here’s another player that’s looking to make MLS his retirement home. Terry, Chelsea’s controversial captain, was one of the best defenders, if not the best, of the recently concluded English Premier League season. He helped his club win the coveted trophy and hopes to remain with the London based club until he retires, but if that doesn’t happen, he is willing to give MLS a go.
“I would love to finish my career at Chelsea and maybe there is a time when I look to go to play in America or whatever might be best for my family at the time,” he said.
Gooch on trial: U.S. journeyman Oguchi Onyewu is on trial at New York City FC. The club posted on Twitter a picture of the physically imposing center back practicing with Jason Kreis’ men. Even though he’s declined drastically over the last few years, Onyewu will be a welcomed addition for a club that is on a 10-game winless streak.
Other transfer news:
-Erick “Cubo” Torress is set to join the Houston Dynamo after Chivas Guadalajara was eliminated from the Liga MX Clausura. The news comes after the forward was accused of sexual assault.
– American goalkeeper Cody Cropper is officially in the market for a new team after being released by Southampton. There are reports that multiple MLS teams are interested.
-Veteran Panamanian midfielder Rolando Escobar has signed with FC Dallas. Escobar, 33, has 33 appearances for his nation.
-Former Toronto FC captain Darren O’Dea is on the Canadian club’s radar, and he has stated he wouldn’t mind returning to the club.
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