The MLS isn't exactly the Premier League. Well, it's not even close, even if you find some American die-hards claiming that the MLS' popularity is expanding by leaps and bounds. It is, but it will never be the Premier League.
Tottenham and U.S. International midfielder Clint Dempsey had this decision to make. Everton, who just 13 hours ago or so looked like front runners to secure Demspey, or Seattle? The Toffees or Sounders?
I, and 94 percent of football fans would have said Everton. I would have packed my bags and start growing my hair out and hike up my shorts to match Leighton Baines (I don't expect you to know who that is, but let me have this).
But something peculiar has happened. Dempsey, coming off a 23 goal season with Tottenham is leaving the Premiership and going back to the inferior league he hasn't played in since 2006 with the New England Revolution.
Now I've heard that Seattle fans are mental and the atmosphere is brilliant. They are on the verge of becoming a force in the MLS. Well, with Dempsey now this might put them over the top. But why?
There's the opportunity of playing with the best talent in the world with a very solid and consistent Premier League side. If you don't take my word for it, just ask former Hofstra defensive talisman Shaun Foster. Dempsey at Goodison Park with Marouane Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic would have been something else to watch.
There were a few rumors that Juventus was interested, but things never took off. Besides, Everton has a history with Americans.
But I guess we can only dream of what could have been at Everton. Instead we'll see Dempsey in the midfield with Lamar Neagle and Brad Evans (gag). I don't think it's worth $32 million. I'd rather stay and have a chance at the Champions League and FA Cup.
Nothing's official yet, but it's just about to be. This could be huge for the MLS and I'll be excited for their fans and whatnot, but you won't find me trying to stomach a Sounders game just to see Clint Dempsey.
As someone who is American and followed Everton and the Sounders I must say it is great for the 40k people that fill that Stadium every game. The Sounders have deep pockets and want to bring a championship to Seattle,what better way to do that the bring back on of the best American players. He will put cheeks in the seats throughout the MLS.
ReplyDelete