Only two and a half days remain before the MLS transfer deadline, and rumors are flying across the Web linking the New York Red Bulls to former Brazil striker Edmundo and the Columbus Crew to Boca Juniors’ forward/midfielder, Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Some would argue that Edmundo, 36, is way past his best, but Schelotto, 33, potentially has several good years left in him. Crew officials on Wednesday wouldn’t confirm the contract negotiations, but two major South American newspapers reported that Schelotto was on the verge of signing. Coach Sigi Schmid, speaking for the first time publicly about the possibility of signing the Boca veteran, told the Columbus Dispatch: “We think the experience he has and his character, if he is in fact a player we (sign), would be good for us. He is someone we have been aware of and we have been aware of his interest in (playing in the United States).
The reports in South America said the Columbus deal would be worth at least $2 million, although Schmid said the player would not be signed under the designated player rule if he chose to play for the Crew. Schelotto has won a total of 15 championships over the course of his career, having played for Boca since 1997. He’s scored 87 goals in 302 games and is considered one of the Buenos Aires club’s most popular players.