Supporters of the New York Red Bulls had about ten hours to fully enjoy the team's third consecutive 1-0 victory before waking up to two different transfer rumors that left this RBNY fan shaking his head. One such rumor is hardly news, while the other mentions a move that would completely shake up the New York squad, a squad that seems to be getting into a rhythm during the latter stages of spring.
RBNY transfer rumors: Nesta again linked with Red Bulls
Alessandro Nesta, as expected, announced on Thursday that he will leave AC Milan at the conclusion of the current season. The 36-year old Nesta admitted that he was considering a move to Major League Soccer, but also stated that he has not yet signed with any club. Nesta was originally linked with a summer move to the Red Bulls back in April.
Why RBNY would do it: Fans and analysts alike have been impressed with how well New York's makeshift back line has played during the past three games. You really do have to ask this question, though: Are the Red Bulls winning the 2012 MLS Cup with Tyler Ruthven, Connor Lade, Markus Holgersson, Stephen Keel and Brandon Barklage in the team? Nesta would arguably be the best defender in MLS upon joining the league, and his arrival could result in the exit of the much-maligned Rafa Marquez, who may/may not be out of favor at his current home (depending on the latest you've heard regarding the subject).
Why RBNY shouldn't do it: Nesta could be a combination of Wilman Conde and the previously mentioned Marquez, and I don't mean that in a good way whatsoever. Nesta reportedly cited the "high pace of the Italian league" as a reason for his departing Serie A. We've heard similar comments from players before, players who underestimated the talent and toughness needed to make it in MLS. Nesta may have the talent to finish his career in the US domestic league, but is he ready for the travel and harsh weather (the difference between playing a match in Italy during the fall and doing so in Houston during August)? Nesta, like Conde before him, would likely miss multiple matches, which would leave the Red Bulls in the exact same position they're in as of the writing of this sentence.
Analysis: Respectfully pass. We've seen this movie before, Red Bulls fans. We know how it ends.
RBNY transfer rumors: A stunner
I didn't see this one coming, nor do I see it actually happening. Tom Collomosse of the London Evening Standard reported on Thursday that the Red Bulls have reached out to Tottenham Hotspur front man Emmanuel Adebayor. Adebayor, currently on loan from Manchester City, has one year remaining on his current deal. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has stated on numerous occasions that he would like to keep Adebayor for at least one more season, but Redknapp has also admitted that Spurs may not be able to afford to do so, especially if they don't earn Champions League football.
Why RBNY would do it: Stability, for starters. No team is better in the attacking third than are the Red Bulls when both Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper are featured up top. Henry is already banged up and slated to miss all of May, and it's not unlikely that he'll again be injured later on in the season. Cooper also has a history of injury woes. Were both to go down at the same time, that would leave Juan Agudelo as the team's most reliable goal-creator. Agudelo just returned to the team from a knee injury.
Adebayor has scored 16 goals in 32 Premier League contests this season. He is a force inside the opposing penalty area, and would be one of the league's best attacking options; as long as he stays motivated. More on that later.
Why RBNY shouldn't do it: Price. According to the London Evening Standard story, New York would be "willing" to match Adebayor's £175,000 per week Premier League wage. While Adebayor is only 28-years old and could still play full-time at the highest level for at least a few more years, that's still a ridiculous amount of money to spend, especially on a player who has been known to be more of a headache than he is worth. One reason Adebayor has been rumored to remain at Spurs beyond this May is because of Redknapp's ability to keep Ade interested for longer than a month or two. While New York head coach Hans Backe has had himself a good couple of months, I doubt his ability to motive Adebayor.
Analysis: RBNY sporting director Erik Soler should run as fast and as far away from this move as he can. Change your phone number if necessary, sir.
