MLS: Three world class players poised for MLS Career
By John Adair
Jul 18, 2012; Vancouver, BC, CANADA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham (23) during the warmup against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
David Beckham will always be remembered as the one who began the movement of world-class talent to Major League Soccer. While players such as Landon Donovan found a home in America’s professional league, most of the elite footballers reside overseas, playing in either England or Spain.
Since Beckham, the likes of Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane have come to the States to have a career in the MLS.
In no particular order, here are three guys that may be making the same move in the future.
1. Didier Drogba
Despite being linked to a few teams in the English Premier League with concerns up top as of late, Drogba has been linked to the MLS before his departure from Chelsea after the 2012 final. This summer was no different. Goal.com reported that Drogba would prefer to end his career in either Los Angeles or New York. If you were to ask either side whether or not that they would like to add a forward of the former EPL star’s caliber, the answer would be yes. A move to the MLS is a very strong possibility given his preferences of where he would like to eventually hang up his boots for good.
2. Wayne Rooney
There is no question about it: Wayne Rooney is still a top-notch goal scorer. With that said, Rooney’s brother was playing for the New York Red Bulls a season ago. To say that his club career is in the air right now would be nice. Transfer rumors have been centered around Rooney since the window opened. Fans, players, and every supporter in Old Tafford would love to hang on to the striker, but it was recently reported that they would listen to European teams interested in the English phenom. A move to the MLS would not be out of the realm of possibilities for Rooney. It would provide him with the big pay day that everyone wants, a chance to potentially play with or against his brother, and according to The Telegraph, Rooney is most likely to make his way to Major League Soccer when his time with Manchester United runs out.
3. Kaka
Earlier this summer, MLSSoccer.com speculated that Kaka may join the MLS in the form of an expansion team out of Orlando in 2015. Kaka’s brother also played for the Red Bulls. Although he is no longer a part of the club, the rumors have not died down. Undoubtedly, Kaka has had a successful career overseas with powerhouses such as Real Madrid and AC Milan, but with spotty minutes as of late in Real’s line-up the chance to be a featured player on a nightly basis may be that much more enticing for a player of Kaka’s stature. Major League Soccer would welcome such a high-profile player with arms wide open.