As happens almost every MLS off-season, lots of names get thrown around as possibly being headed to the United States. Obviously, lots of them never come close to fruition.
MLS’s Silly Season In Full Swing: Assessing The Foreign Rumors
Rather than devote precious space to every rumor, I’ve decided it might be worthwhile to start addressing them here.
Robbie Keane to the Vancouver Whitecaps: This was one of those rumors that seems to be based on assumption and appearances rather than anything concrete. The Sun (of London) sees the Whitecaps ties to Tottenham, considers Keane's lack of playing time and concludes the Irish international is bound for MLS. The problem, as 86 Forever points out, is that Keane has several years left on a contract that pays him about $3 million a year. Even if Tottenham was willing to let Keane go for free, there's really no good reason for Keane to accept anything less than what he's currently making to play in a middling league. That kind of money would make Keane the fourth highest paid player in MLS and would be about $1 million more than players like Landon Donovan make. Are the Whitecaps really going to drop that kind of coin on a player who comes with a fraction of the name recognition as those other comparably paid players? If that wasn't enough to throw cold water on the rumor, there's now reports that he could be heading to Aston Villa. Chances of coming true: I wouldn't count on it.
Ronaldinho to Los Angeles Galaxy: There's nothing new here, but it's still worth mentioning since he's easily the biggest name rumored to be heading stateside. We reported the rumor the Galaxy were ready to offer $10 million a year about a month ago, and there's been other whispers dating farther back, but nothing material has emerged yet. Basically, Ronaldinho is not getting serious much playing time at AC Milan, the Galaxy have lots of money and David Beckham has said he'd like to play alongside the Brazilian. Chance of coming true: I wouldn't totally discount this one, but I'm going to be skeptical until something is a little more official.
Julien Rodriguez to Sporting Kansas City: The French center back is out of contract and SKC has been open about pursuing a European central defender and Rodriguez might cost less than a Designated Player slot. French newspaper La Provence is reporting that Rodriguez is considering the move. He’s currently with Olympique Marseille and has played with Glasgow Rangers and AS Manaco. He was once even called up to the French national team, although he didn’t play. Chances of coming true: Probably pretty good, as it appears he has limited options in Europe.
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