It is both a blessing and a curse that Europe has now taken notice of Major League Soccer, says the Toronto Star’s Cathal Kelly. On the surface, importing the likes of David Beckham while exporting the likes of Clint Dempsey looks like a transaction that clearly benefits both sides. However, Beckham, Kelly says, “is a one-off” in terms of both his aura and dedication — MLS won’t be able to replicate the enormity of that media coup. He claims the strategy of importing old European stars while its best and brightest look for bigger paydays and better competition abroad is a losing one.
So we shouldn’t get too excited when Thierry Henry drops hint after hint that he wants to end his career in MLS. When, exactly? At 30, Henry already looks past his best, and his Barcelona contract doesn’t expire for another four years. The other big names that have recently been linked with MLS, like Luis Figo, Juan Sebastian Veron, Ronaldo and Andriy Shevchenko, are all over 30, too.
Meanwhile, the league is certain to lose some of its most promising youngsters. New York Red Bulls striker Jozy Altidore’s future certainly lays in Europe, as perhaps does that of Eddie Johnson and Maurice Edu. The arrival of the game’s former big names won’t be enough to keep these promising youngsters in the U.S. when they know that the better opportunity still lies in Europe.