In an obvious attempt to distract Seattle soccer fans from complaining about their choice of MLS franchise names, someone within MLS has leaked a rather juicy rumor -- Thierry Henry may be headed to the Emerald City.Steven Cohen of World Soccer Daily reported today that the new Seattle MLS franchise is in "advanced negotiations" with the French striker and could lure him out of Barcelona in time for Seattle's inaugural season in 2009. Cohen did not reveal his source -- natch -- but did call it a "very good authority" on matters concerning Seattle. For all we know, though, Cohen ran into a very sloshed Drew Carey in a pub in Hollywood last night.
Either way, it's a rumor that has legs. For one, Thierry Henry has talked in the past about how much he loves America and would like to live here when his career winds down -- which appears to be happening already. Also, if anyone has enough money to bring a player like Henry to America, it's Paul Allen, one of the new Seattle franchise's principal owners. Allen could pay Henry's transfer fee with his petty cash drawer, and it would put fans in the seats instantly.
Of course, the one problem with this rumor is that Henry spent an entire press conference last week moaning about how he never sees his daughter in London anymore, and the distance between London and Seattle is far greater than the distance between London and Barcelona. On the other hand, it's possible that he's using his family problems -- which he helped create by reportedly cheating on his wife -- an excuse for his dip in form this season. Besides, angst like that would be a perfect fit for the city that gave us Kurt Cobain and Chris Cornell.
Bringing Henry to America would be as big a coup for MLS as bringing David Beckham to L.A. The former Arsenal superstar would sell tickets, and his goals would get plenty of run on ESPN. The only question is whether Henry would be happy playing with a bunch of kids who spent their 2008 season playing for a USL club. Perhaps if the price is right, that won't matter. After all, look at the lack of talent surrounding Becks with the Galaxy.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. OMFG... that's so not fair. For them to end up with Henry and likely Keller in goal... makes me want to move to Seattle just for the soccer; and Thierry Henry would be worth it.
Posted at 10:03AM on Mar 27th 2008 by Adam
2. I care more about the team being named the Sounders, than Henry.
Posted at 12:25PM on Mar 27th 2008 by Buvi Duvi
3. there is a lot of talent on that usl team. i take real exception to that statement as i have watched this team grow and develop promisingly. if henry were to come over, it would be a wonderful thing for seattle soccer. the talent level behind henry would be much greater than the talent level behind becks. also, it is not likely that keller would be in our goal. he would be great, no doubt, but i believe he would make a better keepers' coach at this stage in his career.
Posted at 7:03AM on Mar 28th 2008 by tallguy
4. Take all the exception you want, tallguy. My Railhawks are aiming right for you this year, while we still can. ;^)
Posted at 7:05AM on Mar 28th 2008 by Dave
5. That "USL team" went to the semi-finals of the US Open Cup beating Chivas 3-1, Colorado 5-0 and lost to Dallas 2-1 in OT. We boast alumni such as Brian Ching and Marcus Hahnemann. This isn't a true "expansion". This is elevation of a worthy side.
The MLS is going to be introduced to Le Toux. Add 13,000 season tickets and Seattle's going to be a strong side. Add Henry and we're the Sounders are the best team in the USA.
Posted at 7:14AM on Mar 28th 2008 by Sammy
6. "I care more about the team being named the Sounders, than Henry."
Then you are what is wrong with soccer in America.
Posted at 7:15AM on Mar 28th 2008 by Baha
7. i'm not sure if having Keller in goal is all that impressive, considering he's probably the worst American keeper in England right now.
You say that like it's a bad thing. Was that just sarcasm and I missed it? Besides Matt Pickens is playing (with the reserves for a colaship side) in England. Are you saying KK is worse than Pickens?
All that being said I'd like to see KK (or Hahneman really) get one year in goal and then a spot on the coaching staff when Chris Eylander takes over.
Posted at 12:59PM on Mar 28th 2008 by kaged27
8. i'm not sure if having Keller in goal is all that impressive, considering he's probably the worst American keeper in England right now. but Henry would definitely draw a crowd, which is good for MLS. it will be really good for MLS if they can sign a few superstars that are still in the prime of their careers, but this is a good start.
Posted at 1:33PM on Mar 28th 2008 by Beach
9. Look i know that Seattle fans want the name Sounders but F.C. is not a bad name and is a lot more decent than "Dynamo" or "galaxy" the name FC shows class and professionalism. It will suit a city like seattle well. Then you can play Sydney Fc in the battle of the FC's :)
Posted at 12:12AM on Mar 31st 2008 by Greg
10. ps: what is today's date?
Posted at 7:36PM on Apr 1st 2008 by EricCantona
11. This is exactly what the MLS needs. Get rid of salary caps and let the money flow. There's a reason why Manchester United is the most popular franchise in the world...spend the money and the fans will come. You want soccer to get popular in the US? Bring in the world's best players at whatever the cost.
Posted at 10:15AM on Apr 3rd 2008 by Ron
12. Ron: This ignores the fact that lack of a salary cap is the main reason the NASL went under. I have no objections to the salary cap, but it does need to be much higher than it is now.
If MLS increased the current cap to about $4M, increased the minimum salary to about $50K for senior players and $40K for developmental players -- much more than the Wal-Mart salaries they're making now -- and made the max $500K with the designated player spot counting that much toward the cap, that would improve matters considerably.
Posted at 10:31AM on Apr 3rd 2008 by Dave