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Big names on the horizon for MLS

July 7, 2010

By Farhan Devji

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup nearing its conclusion, soccer fans around the world can expect the annual frenzy of player movement to soon kick into motion. This year, Vancouver soccer fans will likely be paying close attention.

With the recent history of international stars transferring to Major League Soccer (MLS), the Whitecaps will be ready for this trend to continue, as they prepare for their inaugural MLS season in 2011. Renowned English midfielder David Beckham, who officially signed on with Los Angeles Galaxy in July 2007, is indisputably the most prominent international star to have made the move to North America's highest level of professional soccer. However, he may have some competition before the kickoff of the 2011 MLS season.

Rumors are rife that French striker Thierry Henry, who recently left Spanish and European giants Barcelona, is set to join New York Red Bulls in this summer's transfer window. Henry reached elite status with Arsenal FC of the English Premier League, where he became the team’s all-time scoring leader with 226 goals in 380 matches. The Frenchman, who spent his final two seasons with Arsenal as team captain, was twice nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award and has been named to the UEFA Team of the Year on five different occasions.

Similarly, despite recent denials from Italian club AC Milan, rumors continue to surface that Brazilian attacking midfielder Ronaldinho may follow in the footsteps of his former Rossoneri teammate Beckham and join the Galaxy. The former FIFA World Player of the Year is widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation, despite being left off the Brazil squad for this year’s World Cup - a decision that has been the subject of intense debate after Brazil fell to the Netherlands in last week's quarterfinals. Other internationals whose names have been thrown around in possible MLS transfers include French winger Robert Pires, German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, Spanish striker Raul, and Brazilian midfielder Diego. Furthermore, English midfielder Frank Lampard admitted earlier this year that he would be open to a possible move to MLS towards the end of his career.

While it remains to be seen whether the Whitecaps will make a major signing of their own, the club will most certainly be affected in one way or another by this summer’s expected transfer frenzy.

When Beckham joined the Galaxy in 2007, it was not long before the entire MLS reaped the benefits. TFC, along with other MLS clubs, saw a massive spike in ticket sales as a result of the signing. If Henry, Ronaldinho, or other well-known internationals make their expected transfers to MLS, it will likely have a similar effect on the 'Caps, who only have 3,500 season tickets remaining for their inaugural MLS season next year.

Suffice to say, exciting times are ahead for the MLS-bound Whitecaps.