When accomplished European or South American players outlive their usefulness in "major" leagues, they are almost immediately connected with MLS in some fashion. Soccer fans are nothing if not rumor-hungry, and the constant movement of players from club to club provides plenty of grist for the mill.
This week, we're confronted with two such old-timers who are rumored to be considering plying their trade (ending their days?) in the good old USA. One is a Dutchman of rich pedigree and multiple European cup victories, while the other is a Portuguese superstar with a Ballon D'or to his name.
Clarence Seedorf to Philadelphia Union
I'm really not sure what to make of this. While I think it's highly unlikely, I have no doubts that the club may have inquired about the midfielder's availability. The story I've linked to above states that Seedorf would immediately become the best player in MLS; while he's certainly talented enough for that to be the case, I'd have to see him in action before I would make that statement. European players, even world-class ones like Seedorf, have a tendency to struggle in MLS initially.
By the way, Seedorf is one of my favorite players, and I would love for this to happen. I'd be making plans for a Philly trip the second he signs the contract.
Luis Figo to (Pick a Team)
This is less a rumor, and more a connection made because Figo stated he would be open to offers from America. While there's less detail here than with Seedorf and Philly, it's actually much more likely we'll see Figo here. The New England rumors are bound to start up again (partly thanks to the large Portuguese population of the region), though I have trouble seeing Figo agreeing to play for the Revs with their artificial surface at Gillette Stadium. Figo was a great player, and MLS would certainly benefit from his star power, but this is too much of a retirement home situation for me to be comfortable with it. Let him go to China, where he's bound to be the biggest going.
Bottom line? I guess it's nice to see MLS in the mix for players of this caliber, and I'm always happy to see anyone of renown mention America as a possible destination; but it's hard to get excited about players well north of thirty, no matter their pedigree. But hey, if we're going to lose an older European DP to AC Milan, we might as well get one back, right?
Thoughts? Would you like to see Seedorf and Figo in MLS?
