Transfer Talk: 12 Big Names For The 12 Days Of X-Mas

By: Dave Martinez | December 15th, 2009

soccerballcover As Red Bull fans continue to wait on a possible coach for the 2010 season, all has stood quiet on the Eastern front – transfer wise. Player movements have been largely quiet, excluding the inevitable losses expected with an expansion draft. The old management has had the reigns, and seemingly continues to, as the new management get’s its footing beneath them.

That leaves this writer with nothing else to discuss but the rumor mill of the transfer market! I figured I would compile a list of some of the hottest names linked to the Red Bulls and shoot it out there. So, without further ADU (I am so witty), here are your 12 Names for the 12 Days of Christmas:

Thierry Henry

I will not torture you with any more rehashed news on the great Irish killer. You know the deal already.

Rafa Marquez

He made a blip on the radar screen and it has been silent ever since.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto

So how do you repay a guy who nearly single handedly took your club from the streets to the suites? If you are Robert Warzycha, you bench him in the playoffs, and forget him in the postseason, regardless of his clubs history.

It is my belief that Schelotto can be had for the right amount of money (meaning non-DP). I would be floored to find anyone in the league offering the aging MVP a DP contract, outside of Columbus (where he rightfully deserves such money), so it would be up to Red Bull to name a competitive price for the skilled roaming midfielder.

Patrick Vieira

Here is another name for the summer transfer window. Earlier this summer, he expressed his desire to head to MLS after his Inter Milan contract was up. But who will be the lucky recipient? Well, if he follows Youri Djorkaeff’s lead, New York may be an enticing proposition.

Kei Kamara

Kansas City has left Kamara without a contract, and it is taking him no time to find suitors. Currently, he is on a week long trial at French Ligue 2 team Le Havre. With his trial still up in the air, Kamara is a piece who can be had at a reasonable price, and would be able to reinforce the structure and competition up top, which managed only 18 of the teams lowly 27 goals this season.

Eddie Johnson

Though an unrealistic choice considering his lofty salary at Fulham, EJ has seen about as much pitch time as I have. Not good for the youngster, who still has aspirations of cracking the USMNT for the World Cup, especially in light of Charlie Davies unfortunate accident. The kid needs playing time, but the purse may be too much for the Bulls to entertain.

DeMarcus Beasley

Beasley would have similiar drawbacks salary wise as Eddie Johnson, but the oft injured left winger needs playing time to show his worth in Bob Bradleys eyes, especially in lu of some terrible performances with the USMNT. Beasley would be a killer in MLS, and to have him on one flank and Dane Richards on the other, you will have a dangerously quick wing attack. Now, if only Richards cross would improve, then we can consider the combo deadly.

Luciano Emilio

A proven scorer in MLS, Emilio will command major dough to stay in the league, despite his declining numbers over the past two years. Though not particularly the answer the Bulls would be looking for up top, Emilio is always considered to be dangerous. Then again, how many failed former DC hirings must the Metro Bulls make before they decide not to take an extended dip in that pool again?

Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista

Yes, the bleach blond Mexican standout has been connected with a move to the US, and would be one hell of a option for any MLS squad. As with many of the above, price is always a concern. He may not be in the Red Bulls scope, but he is definitely one of the bigger names connected to an MLS transfer.

Chris Gbandi

The Liberian born left back would do much for the Red Bulls in easing their left sided woes. Gbandi was an excellent, established presence on FC Dallas for years, prior to his move overseas to FK Haugesund. Rumored to be working a deal to come back stateside, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Red Bull throw their hat into the ring for the 30 year old defender.

Raul

The Spanish legend has been all over the transfer rumor mills. From becoming an assistant with Real Madrid to moving Stateside, Raul’s future is completely open. Before anyone gets excited – the 37 year old is making millions in Spain and the idea that an MLS team would offer a striker of that age a competitive offer is a pipe dream. No chance. But an interesting name, none the less.

Freddy Adu

I would play a word pun on you without mentioning the former vunderkind, would I? At age 21, Freddy is in dire need to make a stamp in any team right now. Does that mean a month or so of MLS play will garner him the playing time and attention necessary to secure a spot in the World Cup team? Maybe not. But it beats counting water bottles on the bench.