Michael Ballack MLS Bound?
Goal.com has reported Michael Ballack is deep in negotiations with Major League soccer and could be the latest international star to head state-side to conclude his career.
Both MLS and Ballack’s representatives confirmed that MLS Executive VP Todd Durbin was the one who initiated the conversation to bring the former German national team captain, who also starred for Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea, to the MLS.
The Seattle Sounders, New York Red Bulls, Chicago Fire, Philadelphia Union, and expansion Montreal Impact have all shown interest in signing Ballack and apparently the interest is mutual.
One tough sell for whoever nabs him is Ballack’s current contract with Leverkusen runs through the end of June and he intends to honor it. He is rumored to be looking for somewhere in the $5-$7 million range.
As a diehard Sounders fan here is my sales pitch to you Mr. Ballack- Head to Seattle. You’ll enjoy the best fans in the league. You will also join the best existing center midfielder in the league, Osvaldo Alonso, to combine in an absolutely lethal middle of the park. With Michael Gspurning coming in at goalie, Adam Johansson at defense and Christian Sivebaek into the midfield you have plenty of fellow Europeans to help you feel comfortable.
Welcome (likely) to the MLS Mr. Ballack and I hope to see you in Rave Green at the beginning of July.
