Henry news and discussion here. Henry is the big player to make the move to MLS this season, but he is just one of the many thus far. Blaise Nkufo showed up to the party for DC United vs. Seattle Sounders. Nkufo didn't make it into the match in the Sounders 1-0 win, and he looked somewhat annoyed at being there by the end of it. On the other side of that match, Branko Boskovic did play as he came on as a second half substitute. Ronaldinho to LA Galaxy rumors are popping up again. In a bit of a twist, Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts says the signing will be announced shortly. Chicago Fire will be announcing a DP signing tomorrow. Initial speculation sounded like a return by Blanco, but he has signed with Irapuato, likely to retire there. The latest rumor is that the Nery Castillo's career swan dive could be splashing down in Chicago. In "I remember that guy...he's got a funny name" news, Toronto FC signed Mista. Toronto have been seeking to find a goal scoring forward since they were created and splashed some serious cash out for Mista, who was available on a free transfer. Mista has scored five goals since leaving Valencia in 2006, which is roughly as many as Toronto have scored over the same period. And to make this a multidirectional post, Houston has released Luis Angel Landin's waistline after he scored twice in 16 appearances with the Dynamo.
No basis from the media for this one, but I'd like to see something work out with Robbie Keane in MLS. Tottenham are playing San Jose on ESPN right now and the English club do have some sort of business relationship set up with the Quakes, which makes them a somewhat logical landing point. If any number of the rumors regarding forwards going to Spurs come true, Keane would likely be expendable. No idea of he's interested, but I'd like to see him.
Omar Bravo signs with Kansas City. No announcement yet if its a DP, but his deal likely is. Bravo will provide regular goal scoring for a team that hasn't had it since Eddie Johnson.
Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today that 26-year-old Mexican forward Nery Castillo will join the team as a Designated Player. Castillo will become available for selection for the Fire upon the receipt of his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Castillo’s first match with the Men in Red is expected to be on the road against the LA Galaxy on Sunday, August 1. Castillo will be on loan to the Fire from Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine), with the Fire holding an option to complete a permanent transfer. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Fire revealed its decision to add Castillo tonight in front of fans at Toyota Park after the club’s SuperLiga match against the New England Revolution. Castillo will arrive in Chicago next week and conduct a press conference, the time and location of which will be finalized soon. http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2010/07/klopas-unveils-new-dp
A couple of updates from Soccernet's transfer blog. Milan won't sell Ronaldinho for less than 10 million, which is far too pricey for MLS to even think about for a second. Same goes for my Keane pipe dream, as Tottenham might be getting a 5 million bid from Aston Villa. As for Castillo, I'm not really sure how I feel about this move. He's played just 22 matches since leaving Greece in 2007 and has a bit of a reputation for more highly of himself than anyone else. Now, this move could be the one that shakes the ego from him and he starts playing again like he did when he was with Olympiakos, or it could be another disastrous stop on his world tour. He's set up to be successful as the Fire fans have been hugely supportive of Blanco in the past and he'll be set up well regardless of whether he's playing winger and sending crosses into Brian McBride and Collins John or playing as the quick forward next to either one of those two.
Blaise Nkufo is making his debut today against Celtic. Seattle are wearing their absurdly bright neon green kits and the color is reflecting off of the sweat on Nkufo's face. Not sure if we'll get to see much from him today however. Samaras was just sent through on goal, took a touch around the keeper and then was taken down but scored anyway. The ref had already blown for a penalty, rather than letting the play go on and allowing Samaras' impressive goal to count. And worse yet, Seattle's backup keeper, Terry Boss, was sent off. As Kasey Keller was injured in their last match, they now have some dude from the University of Washington who they signed just in case in goal and had to take Freddy Monteiro off to get him in. Bad situation all around, but it shows why the US hasn't sent a referee to the World Cup since 2002 I believe.
Blaise Nkufo is making his debut today against Celtic. Seattle are wearing their absurdly bright neon green kits and the color is reflecting off of the sweat on Nkufo's face. Not sure if we'll get to see much from him today however. Samaras was just sent through on goal, took a touch around the keeper and then was taken down but scored anyway. The ref had already blown for a penalty, rather than letting the play go on and allowing Samaras' impressive goal to count. And worse yet, Seattle's backup keeper, Terry Boss, was sent off. As Kasey Keller was injured in their last match, they now have some dude from the University of Washington who they signed just in case in goal and had to take Freddy Monteiro off to get him in. Bad situation all around, but it shows why the US hasn't sent a referee to the World Cup since 2002 I believe. Just to make a point about the new Sounders keeper, his name is Jordan Jennings, but he's the one player on the pitch who doesn't have a name on the back of his jersey.
Justin Mapp was sold by Chicago to Philadelphia Union, clearing the way for the Fire to add a second DP. No rumors on who, but it appears that Raul Tamudo is in talks with an MLS team.
The second DP that Chicago cleared space for was Freddie Ljungberg. Seattle traded Ljungberg for a conditional draft pick. The move gives Chicago a potentially strong attack with Nery Castillo and Ljungberg on the wings, Marco Pappa in the middle, and Brian McBride up top. However, it will take a lot from Captain McBride to keep the diva wingers in line. It could be great, or it could be messy, but either way, it will be entertaining to watch. Seattle made Ljungberg expendable by adding Uruguay World Cupper Alvaro Fernandez. Fernandez, a 24-year-old midfielder, made three appearances as a substitute and started the match against Ghana at the World Cup. He joins MLS from Universidad de Chile. And lastly, Rafa Marquez has been released from his contract at Barcelona. He hasn't signed anywhere yet, but the NYRB rumors continue.
ESPN Deportes' John Sutcliffe tweeted that Rafa Marquez has signed with NYRB, four years, $25 million. I'm guessing the official announcement will be taking place somewhere around their match tonight in Houston.
New York Red Bulls will be announcing a third DP signing (joining Henry and Angel) tomorrow. Unless there is something straight up shocking going on, Rafa Marquez will be introduced tomorrow.
Multiple sites are picking up on a Nuno Gomes to New England rumor. While this is something that I had been hoping to see, I find the timing odd as they just signed two forwards, though neither come with the recognition of Nuno Gomes.
Very happy to see the new recruits the MLS are getting. Henry, Marquez, and Angel is a great attacking force.
