With the clock ticking toward the end of the MLS transfer window, a new player has surfaced as a potential target for New York Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
Venezuelan national team left winger Jorge Rojas is expected to join the Red Bulls on trial this week, joining Scottish defender Chris Innis among players Osorio is taking a late look at. Rojas has left his current club, Union Atletico Maracaibo, which is set to face Chilean club Colo Colo in Copa Libertadores action on Thursday. Rojas saw action as a substitute in the team’s 1-1 tie vs. Deportivo Italia on Saturday.
This report quotes a source saying that Rojas’ current club, Venezuelan squad Union Atletico Maracaibo, is ready to unload the former America de Cali winger in order to help the club’s financial situation. If Rojas is indeed a transfer target, the Red Bulls would likely have to pay a transfer fee using an allocation in order to secure Rojas’ services.
Rojas, 30, has made 78 appearances for Venezuela, scoring in the Venezuela’s recent friendly against Hait on Feb. 8. Here is that goal (the goal sequence starts about 30 seconds into the clip):
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCBOTDqWt3E&hl=en]
SBI has also learned that Osorio has targeted an as-yet-unidentified Venezuelan central defender as a potential signing, but it remains unclear whether that player will arrive in time for Osorio to get a look at him before the transfer window closes on April 15. Osorio has made it clear that he wants to see any players he considers signing in person.
What do you think of the Red Bulls making a play for Rojas? Think Osorio should stick with Van Den Bergh on the left wing? Think the signing is good because it paves the way for Van Den Bergh to slide into central midfield?
Share your thoughts below