With the arrival of New York City FC grabbing headlines and soaking up the attention of soccer fans in the New York area, the area's other MLS team could be trying to make a splash by signing Steven Gerrard. The Daily Telegraph reported over the weekend that the New York Red Bulls have included the Liverpool captain on their discovery list, leading to speculation about the midfielder's future.
New York Red Bulls are interested in Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard
Could the Liverpool legend be considering a move to America?
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Why this make sense
The Red Bulls are getting drowned out by New York City FC thanks to several big money signings already made and a great deal of excitement about the club's impending debut this coming season. It makes sense that the Red Bulls would be scrambling to make a splash, especially with Thierry Henry retiring and Tim Cahill not expected to return to the club. There's also the fact that former Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier is NYRB's sporting director.
Gerrard’s contract is up at the end of the season, so it’s really going to be up to him what he wants to do. Liverpool will keep him if he wants to stay -- it might cause riots if they didn’t -- but there’s always the chance he might be drawn to a big payday and a new challenge in the United States.
Why this doesn’t make sense
Sports Illustrated claimed in October that NYRB’s owners were ‘losing interest’ in the club and were not going to be willing to spend big money to attract stars to the club. MLS commissioner Don Garber quickly squashed the rumors, but anyone who follows MLS knows better than to trust Garber. If RBNY are indeed cutting back on spending on their MLS club, they probably wouldn’t have the cash needed to lure Gerrard.
Likelihood it happens
Steven Gerrard is Liverpool. Liverpool is Steven Gerrard. While you can never say never about a club icon making a move at some point in his career, it’s hard to think that Gerrard would leave his beloved club. So we’re giving this rumor a 1 out of 10 chance of happening.
