MLS Clubs Make Move For Chelsea FC Great Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba left Chelsea FC this summer, ending his second spell at the club after just one year. In truth it was evident that he did not quite possess the pace and sharpness required in the Premier League, but the split was amicable and mutual.
RELATED: Ashley Cole Takes Crap Penalty Against Didier Drogba, Fetches Ball, Looks A Bit Like An Idiot
Since then, the Ivorian has been linked with a whole host of clubs from around the world. Now, ESPNFC reports that Major League Soccer have made a move for the striker, with several franchises looking to lure him to their city.
The front-runners for Drogba’s signature are currently the Chicago Fire, according to ESPN’s sources. Chicago have reportedly offered him a chunky 18-month contract worth $2.5million a year in a bid thought to surpass that of any other party.
Having said that, there are complicated salary rules that the MLS have in place that I (over in UK-land) literally know nothing about, and hence I will quote ESPN on it.
‘Chicago already has three Designated Players on its roster in Shaun Maloney, David Accam, and Kennedy Igboananike, so if it were to sign Drogba, it would need to use some of the new Targeted Allocation Money to buy down the salary of one of those players — mostly likely Accam ($721,000 salary) or Igboananike ($902,000) — in order to comply with MLS roster rules.’
Ummmm….yeah that.
Whatever ‘Targeted Allocation Money’ is, it seems as though Chicago will be able to afford this deal. However, they also apparently face competition from some mysterious Middle East club.
Drogba will undoubtedly weigh up his options, and come to a conclusion that suits his current situation whether that be money or lifestyle. At the age of 37 and with such a stellar career under his belt, no-one can say much about his decision.
However, if he does choose the MLS, he would be the third Premier League veteran to join the premier US competition this year.
Steven Gerrard made his debut for the LA Galaxy last night, while another CFC great in the form of Frank Lampard will hopefully make his New York City FC debut next week, having already had it delayed twice by injury.
Drogba’s arrival in the MLS will certainly be another feather in the competition’s hat, as they aggressively expand and look to take advantage of the dramatically increasing appetite for soccer on their shores.
In the meantime, Chelsea themselves are in North America touring the United States as part of pre-season. Check out our coverage here.
RELATED: Chelsea FC’s US Pre-Season Schedule And Guide
To comment, scroll to the bottom of the article, hit ‘Login’ on the top right of the comments section and do so through a Facebook, Twitter or Google account to allow yourself to join in the discussion.
Also be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or subscribe below to our daily newsletter to keep up with all things CFC.
Next: Chelsea FC Transfer Rumours: Blues To Increase John Stones Bid