By IVES GALARCEP
Canadian midfielder Julian DeGuzman considered coming back to MLS to spend more time with FC Dallas, but it appears he could not pass up another chance of playing in the Spanish Premier League.
DeGuzman has signed a deal with La Liga side Mallorca. The former Toronto FC designated player, who enjoyed a renaissance with FC Dallas in the second half of 2012, ultimately proved too expensive for Dallas to bring back.
(UPDATED– A source close to DeGuzman tells SBI that DeGuzman has yet to sign a deal with Mallorca as of Tuesday morning. We will keep you posted on any changes.)
DeGuzman endured a disappointing tenure in MLS, where his storybook return to his hometown team, Toronto FC, didn’t quite play out as many had hoped. He never did establish himself as a force for TFC, which made his multi-million dollar salary all the more disappointing a fact.
He finally parted ways with TFC via trade to FC Dallas, where he enjoyed a career renaissance, play his best soccer in years and helping Dallas make a late run at the playoffs.
With DeGuzman likely gone, and Daniel Hernandez retired, FC Dallas finds themselves in dire need of defensive midfield depth with just two months to go before the 2013 season. Peter Luccin was signed in the off-season, but Dallas is likely to try and address that need in the 2013 MLS Draft.
What do you think of this development? Still hoping he winds up with FC Dallas? Think he can still have an impact in La Liga?
Share your thoughts below.