Rumors have been swirling all afternoon that the Seattle Sounders are about to make a major acquisition, and rumor has it that the major acquisition is Tottenham and U.S. Men’s National Team star Clint Dempsey.
The Sounders have refuted the reports, although it’s no secret that they would like to add an attacking player; however, several credible news outlets have reported that Dempsey’s transfer from Tottenham in the English Premier League to Seattle in MLS is imminent.
If true, the addition of Dempsey could alter the Western Conference playoff race, as the Sounders are currently four points behind the Vancouver Whitecaps for the fifth and final playoff spot. Dempsey would be able to team up with U.S. National Team compatriot Eddie Johnson as well as Seattle’s leading scorer Obafemi Martins to form quite a potent attack for the Sounders.
In short, Dempsey would immediately become one of the most feared goal-scorers in MLS.
Outside of the instant impact Dempsey would have for Seattle on the field, his return to MLS would have a resounding effect on the entire league. Top American players, like Dempsey, generally leave MLS for Europe in search of more opportunity, bigger challenges, and better competition, not the other way around.
Sometimes, top players like David Beckham or Thierry Henry will play in MLS towards the end of their careers. However, for a player of Dempsey’s stature, returning to play in MLS while he is still in the prime of his career is an unprecedented move.
If and when Dempsey to the Sounders becomes official, its impact on MLS and American soccer in general can’t be understated. Dempsey is a major star, and his return to MLS would be beyond huge for the league.
Bryan Zarpentine is a New York Mets writer at www.RantSports.com. Like him on Facebook, follow him on twitter @BZarp and add him to your network on Google+.
