The next day of reckoning now seem to be Friday when it comes to finally getting a decision from MLS as to whether the Dynamo def/mid will go to Stoke City in England.
Stoke has put in an offer that is believed to be 2.5 million dollars according to my sources . This is a wonderful offer for a young man who a few short years ago was on a contract of 34k after being selected in the MLS draft by Dominic Kinnear and the Houston Dynamo out of the University of Rhode Island.
At 27 years of age this offer and opportunity is not likely to come around again for Cameron. All parties involved want it to happen except MLS for the moment who seem to be hedging.
Why should this happen?
Simple!
Geoff Cameron should be allowed to realize his dreams by going to the top league on the planet. His life will be altered dramatically both financially and as a stretch competing with and amongst the best. What player would not want to take this opportunity. The Cameron story is an amazing one.
For MLS and the Dynamo this is a win win.
A chance to remind that this league can produce talent capable of playing in Europe and talent that is of interest to EPL and European teams.
Everyone wins and it is a positive story.
The Dynamo are then able to take 2/3 of the transfer fee and re-invest it in their team. In this case it could lead to more attacking players in the mold of Boniek Garcia which at the moment seems to be a need.
The club continues to go forward, the player goes forward and positive press and pr is gained.
One argument against this is that MLS is a feeder league to Europe. It really is a silly argument because 99 percent of the league around the world are feeder leagues to the top leagues in Europe based on money, prestige and power which all lies in European soccer.
So yes MLS, you are a feeder league. So is the Mexican first Division, so is the Argentine first Division, so is the Brazilian first division as is the Portuguese first division.
You get my point. This is nothing to be ashamed of. I am ready for MLS and those associated to get over our complex. Be proud of what we are, be less sensitive as we grow.
What is MLS player policy when it comes to transfers?
I believe it is currently done on a case by case basis.
You certainly will always have to sell players to Europe.
Stop allowing possibility for players and youthful talent to leave your league and agents will find ways to by-pass you.
Who makes the final call on Geoff Cameron?
Is it Commissioner Don Garber? Is it ownership groups or someone assigned within the league office?
It is this nebulous area that confuses fans and more transparency is needed here because fans are emotionally attached to players.
They need to know what the process is.
If this deal with Stoke does not come off the Dynamo are going to be stuck with one bitter player whose dreams will not be realized. The Dynamo, manager Dominic Kinnear, President Chris Canetti all know the answer to this dilemma and that is Geoff Cameron moving to Europe .
For all involved lets hope that MLS does the right thing because after all, all parties stand to gain from this.
Twitter: GlennDavisSoc
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MLS and Garber wants to prove to Donvan that he is not the only player they screwed over.
I believe Donovan has had the opportunity to leave full time but personally has elected not to.
He may just move in the future and I can’t see any more for him to do as a player in MLS, he has done it all.
Just depends where he is personally and professionally.
As for Cameron this is not a difficult decision, few are getting the opportunity in MLS to jump right to the EPL.
Glenn,
Didn’t something similar to what is being discussed here happen to Taylor Twellman?
Glen could this just be MLS being silent as not to accept the bid too quickly? Is it possible MLS is just holdingout a few days trying to get a little more money?
Garber could lose in the long run. The players could organize into a stronger players union and we could see player hold outs.
Donovan got screwed over??? He makes $2,4000,000 per season in MLS, plays in So. Cal, that he loves so much, just how has Garber harmed Donovan?
Agree that would be in best interest for all if Donovan moved on. His play in MLS this season has been uninspiring at best, doesn’t move attendance needle either.
You will always have the MLS haters who want to pick and tear apart the league. Euro elitist snob’s that think anything American/Canadian soccer wise is not worthy. Rubbish !!
Just finished watching TFC VS. Vancouver, excellent 2nd half,Mariner seems to have TFC headed in right direction. Whitecap’s rookie- Maddox plays with poise and awareness of seasoned vet.
Ok lets do this Donovan gets to play in Europe . They want him to return and play, but he can not get out of his contract. He misses his chance and blames the MLS and La. His play goes south because he was held against his will.
Glenn, I heard that if Cameron goes to Stoke he will be playing in the midfield probably a defensive mid or attacking mid. While this for him will be an absolutely fantastic opportunity, as you mentioned, I believe it hurts his chances with the US national team. We are incredibly deep with players already in top leagues in Europe at the defensive mid position. I was one person that thought that while Cameron’s best position was at CB, I thought we needed him at the CAM spot because we had few options there (during his time at CAM). I also know that hurt his chances with the USMNT and he only broke onto that scene when he switched to CB.
Great for him as a player at the club level, but it has to hurt his chances to represent the stars and stripes. Your thoughts?