With the Winter transfer window open, players and teams are starting to make their moves for the 2017 season. Some players have announced their retirement or departure from their team, while other teams are dealing with the task of finding a new head coach. Here is a breakdown of some of the biggest transfer news.
Retirement
Steven Gerrard announced earlier this month that he will be retiring from professional soccer. Gerrard spent two season in MLS with the L.A Galaxy after a long career with English Premier League side Liverpool.
Departures
Along with Gerrard, Robbie Keane and Bruce Arena also announced that they are leaving the L.A Galaxy. Bruce Arena is replacing Jurgen Klinsmann as the U.S Men’s National Team Head Coach, leaving the Galaxy in a tough spot at the start of their offseason. Some international superstars such as Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact) and Frank Lampard (New York City FC) have announced that they will not be rejoining their squads in 2017. Although it is no secret that the Impact had their fair share of issues this season with Drogba, he will be a huge loss to the Impact’s attacking side. Lampard appeared in 19 matches for New York City FC this year and scored 12 goals.
Mauro Rosales (FC Dallas) and DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo) were both released from their teams. Beasley’s contract expired, and the Dynamo have expressed interest in renegotiating with him. Sporting KC did not pick up contract options on a few players, including Goalkeeper Jon Kempin and Midfielder Justin Mapp.
Pedro Morales was released from the Vancouver Whitecaps-- he had been with the team since 2014, and served as their captain for the last two years. Javier Morales also announced that he is leaving Real Salt Lake after 10 years with the club.
Rumors
With Atlanta United and Minnesota United set to join the league next season, rumors have been flying about who they are interested in for their squads. Atlanta United is rumored to be interested in Robbie Keane, who already announced his departure from L.A Galaxy. They are also interested in Nick Rimando, the star Goalkeeper for Real Salt Lake.
One of the biggest rumors circulating around the league right now is the possible acquisition of German Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger from English Premier League club Manchester United. Schweinsteiger spent thirteen seasons with Bayern Munich, and recently announced his retirement from the German National Team.
For more information on the last departures, rumors, and retirements, check here
