- Do not be fooled by The Bruce Arena Show. His lips may be doing the "Ohhh, of course we'd sign Messi if we could" routine, but I'm told training visitor and near-constant MLS rumor mill resident Clarence Seedorf could actually spurn Botafogo to sign with the L.A. Galaxy this weekend.
While the Dutchman could not hope to get near DP salary with the MLS champs, the lure of life in Los Angeles and its television industry (he's already done some well-received guest commentary for the BBC) could make a move more than worth his while.
- Okay, undo your belts, it's about to get real. I've long reported the possibility of AS Roma chasing Michael Bradley, and friends, that time has arrived. I recently confirmed Italian reports that the Giallorossi had finally made an introductory call to Chievo about their only true American crush.
Roma are trying to move quickly on targets before Euro 2012 ends, when potential competitors and the big transfer topics turn focus back to the summer market. They are now doing the same thing in chasing Ajax right back Gregory van der Wiel. For Bradley, though, the early talks have been very productive. I've been informed by someone who would definitely know that Roma have vaulted ahead of Palermo in the race and could soon be getting close.
The details? No problem. Roma are hoping to pay around €3 million, with midfielder Leandro Greco and promising reserve team winger Giammario Piscitella also heading to Chievo in the deal. In case you're wondering, that approximately places Bradley's current market value in the €6 million neighborhood, so my guess that his price tag had doubled this season turned out to be pretty accurate. Personally, I feel that valuation is still low, but practical Chievo may not put up much of a fight.
As far as playing time goes, Roma technical director Walter Sabatini is courting Bradley as at least a platoon man, if not expecting him to earn a starting place during the campaign. High-wage Real Madrid loan midfielder Fernando Gago will not be back and their summer goal is to streamline the roster and wage bill best they can.
As I said, this is not a drill. It's in effect and initially looking good. A few folks out there maybe thought I was making up this Bradley-Roma connection so long ago. I think they may soon realize that was never the case.
- Greg Seltzer
9 comments:
I love the move.
Well, he's not there yet. But they are finally really trying and it is going well so far.
Hope the Roma move finally comes to fruition. Great work, Greg.
Also, I'm a big Seedorf fan. Would love to see him in MLS. He's a great ambassador for the game.
Do you think he will start? Im not to familiar with their CM at the moment?
Obviously I know De Rossi plays for them, just not sure about anyone else
I'm a massive Romanista.
Between unloading Greco and stepping in as a potential alternative to Fernando Gago, who really only dazzled me in a handful of matches within a dismal transitional season, I would welcome Bradley with open arms.
A season under Zeman with DDR and Totti would turn him into Iron Man for the US National Team.
Couldn't Seedorf just replace Landon, who just put his house up for sale and wants back at Everton ASAP? Makes sense to me.
Can I take a moment to say that there's great writing on this site? Well there is. There's hilariously well-crafted writing on this site.
On behalf of myself and the other three knuckleheads, thanks a million.
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