MLS news: Rodriguez to MLS, Cifuentes to Europe, Vazquez on Cincinnati

There has been a lot of MLS news on transfers recently with James Rodriguez being linked with a move to the league, speculation of Jose Cifuentes going to Europe and Brandon Vazquez revealing he’s focused on FC Cincinnati. 

MLS news: James Rodriguez to MLS

James Rodriguez has recently left the Greek side Olympiacos after playing 23 times for the club, scoring five times and making six assists. His career has been going downhill since he left Real Madrid where he has had spells at Everton and in Qatar with Al-Rayyan before heading to Greece.

However, the Columbian could be on his way to MLS. Transfer expert Ekrem Konur has reported that “free agent James Rodriguez wants to listen to offers from MLS, Europe and South America before responding to Botafogo’s interest.”

A return to South America would be tempting for the player who famously scored a fantastic volley for Columbia against Uruguay at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Rodriguez may still feel he can cut in Europe especially as he is still just 31.

Moving to MLS would be an opportunity to play in a new league. MLS Insider Tom Bogert is excited by the possibility of Rodriguez heading to North America saying “I am BEGGING an MLS team to step up and sign him.”

MLS news: Jose Cifuentes to Europe

Jose Cifuentes is one of Los Angeles FC’s star players who had made 104 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals with 17 assists. He helped LAFC win MLS Cup last year and already has 15 caps for Ecuador.

He has been linked with a move to Europe and Tom Bogert has “heard Leeds United, Rangers and Espanyol as potential options for LAFC & Ecuador int’l midfielder Jose Cifuentes. I’d imagine a lot of teams in Europe are interested with his contract expiring at the end of 2023. Either an undervalued summer transfer or free in the winter.”

Leeds would be an interesting option as their squad includes many players that have played in America including Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison. A move to Spain with Espanyol will still see him play in one of Europe’s top five leagues but a transfer to Scotland with Rangers could be seen as a sideways step.

MLS news: Brandon Vazquez focused on FC Cincinnati

Brandon Vazquez has been linked with a move to Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga but the Cincinnati forward has revealed that he is focused on the MLS side.

Tom Bogert has quoted Vazquez saying “This summer it’s still uncertain what’s going to happen. All I know for certain is what I have with FC Cincinnati right now. … My focus is on performing every time I’m on the pitch, helping Cincinnati win.”

The USMNT forward did not rule out a move to Europe and admitted uncertainty, so it gives the impression that a move could well be in the works. Vazquez is currently with the Stars and Stripes as they prepare to face Mexico on Thursday.