Alecko Eskandarian is set to re-sign with Major League Soccer after turning down an offer from a Belgian club, sources told SBI on Tuesday. Whether that means Eskandarian will return to Real Salt Lake remains to be seen. (UPDATE– The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that Eskandarian is being dealt to Chivas USA for an allocation.)
Eskandarian is currently out of contract and had been pursuing options in Europe, but is now negotiating with MLS on a new deal that could facilitate his departure from RSL. His days in Salt Lake City appear numbered now that young forwards Robbie Findley and Fabian Espindola have emerged as quality options. The more likely scenario has Eskandarian moving to his fourth MLS in three seasons.
Eskandarian started 17 matches for RSL last season, scoring one goal and adding three assists. He arrived via trade from Toronto FC, where he scored one goal in six matches.
The New Jersey native has struggled to find consistency since suffering a knee injury midway through the 2006 season while with D.C. United. Eskandarian’s career reached its peak in 2004, when he scored 10 goals before leading D.C. United to an MLS Cup title. He scored two goals in the MLS Cup final to earn game MVP honors.