Trio of Euro Stars MLS-Bound? – Latest Betting Prices
By Tamhas Woods
In recent seasons, Major League Soccer has become awash with big hitters from the Premier League. Though cynics on the European side of the Atlantic often dismiss MLS as a mere resting place for the jaded and the imminently media-bound, it is those gargantuan names – such as David Beckham – which have helped to raise the profile of US soccer beyond all expectations.
Since the inception of the Designated Player Rule nine years ago, the names connected with transatlantic moves have grown in stature every summer, and three in particular stand out as this trend continues unabated into 2016.
Radamel Falcao (Monaco)
Current Average Price: +1600
Though still potent for a few more years, the Colombian striker has become synonymous with unfulfilled promise during his time in England. Two injury-blighted, traumatic spells at Manchester United and Chelsea was far from what was envisioned by the world at the turn of the decade, when Falcao netted 41 times in 51 appearances for FC Porto.
In hindsight, Falcao’s ability as a natural finisher and flair player was never going to be a huge asset in an English game which has recently reverted to a trend for greater physicality and pressure over the anticipatory counter-attack and emphasis on off-the-ball duties.
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Though Falcao himself has been quiet on the subject since late April, he has expressed a real interest in moving to the States, with links to Columbus Crew figuring most prominently. At present, the Columbus roster boasts no real standout names when compared to those of several other MLS teams – particularly the coastal giants – and this lack of stardom is reflected by the Crew’s current standing as the second worst team in the Eastern Conference.
A summer move to newly-promoted Middlesbrough in the Premier League appears much likelier than a move to the US – as is a sensational move to the Chinese Super League.
Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Current Average Price: +3300
Though it is astronomically unlikely that Walcott will cross the Atlantic before the end of this decade, there has seldom been a better time for anyone to approach the jet-heeled Englishman.
Domestically, 2015/16 was an inconsistent and frustrating season for Walcott, with a disappointing return of five goals and three assists from 28 Premier League matches leading to his omission from Roy Hodgson’s final shortlist for Euro 2016. Despite this downturn in personal fortune, his pace and flexibility in switching between wing play and attack could only be an asset to any MLS team.
Sadly for MLS, there are many likelier suitors for Walcott in England this summer, such as West Ham, boyhood club Liverpool, and the club that nurtured him to international fame ten years ago – Southampton.
Mario Balotelli (Liverpool)
Current Average Price: +800
Once hailed as the greatest talent of a generation, 25-year old Balotelli has found himself badly wanting for consistency since moving to Liverpool in 2014. This move came at a time when Brendan Rodgers almost brought the Premier League title to Anfield for the first time since 1990, and though Balotelli’s talent was never doubted, some believed that he would prove a disruptive influence.
Sixteen appearances in the iconic Liverpool red have yielded just one goal for the Italian, prompting a quickfire loan move back to AC Milan, but the decline continued. Balotelli failed miserably to emulate the strike rate of his first spell at the club, and to make matters worse, Rodgers was replaced by Jurgen Klopp during that loan spell, further blackening Balotelli’s prospects at Anfield as a new regime beckoned in October 2015.
As of late June 2016, Balotelli has yet to make concrete plans with Klopp regarding his future at Anfield, prompting rumors of an unexpected transatlantic move. Bookmakers consider Turkish club Besiktas as by far the most likely destination for Balotelli, but in the event of a failed move, there is consensus that Balotelli will be bound for the States.
While there is no doubt that Balotelli would add an extra dimension to any MLS club – not to mention a huge entertainment factor – there is no guarantee of long-term loyalty, even if his stock in Europe – and Italy – has fallen drastically.
