I thought MLS had moved away from signing over the hill overseas players, but it looks like former Chelsea star Michael Essien could be coming to Major League Soccer as early as January.
Essien has just changed his agent to US-based Clavijo Soccer Agency, operated by Nicolas Clavijo, son of former player and now-FC Dallas Technical director Fernando Clavijo, who fueled speculation of a potential move to MLS with this tweet:
In is prime the 31-year-old Essien was one of the most dominant midfielders in the world during his time at Chelsea. But he has not been the same player since suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage for the second time in the summer of 2011.
Easier joined AC Milan from Chelsea on a free transfer last January, but has since struggled to break into the Italian side’s line-up, making just two starts in five appearances this season for a total of 226 minutes of action.
While his contract is set to expire in the summer, Milan want to get his wages off their books, which is why Essien could be available on a free transfer in January.
But why would MLS be interested in Essien, a player who will never play a game in Seattle, New England, Vancouver or Portland because of their turf?
MLS has moved beyond Essien. He was a great player in his time, but is not anymore, and I don’t see the benefit of adding him to a Major League Soccer roster.
