By RYAN TOLMICH
Following the demise of Chivas USA, Major League Soccer is fighting to keep Mexican star Erick “Cubo” Torres, and the league is willing to pay the forward handsomely to do so.
The league is reportedly set to offer Torres a salary north of $1.5 million per year for his services. While the future team of Torres would be determined at a later date, the league reportedly has a $7.5 million option to buy the 21-year-old forward.
For now, Torres continued to train with Chivas Guadalajara, but has left his options open regarding his future.
“In the end, my word counts and is exercised,” Torres said. “What is best for all three parties is the decision I will make with both my family and the people who are advising me.”
Here are some more news and notes from around MLS:
RAPIDS HIRE UEFA’S SMITH AS SPORTING DIRECTOR
After seven years with UEFA and the Football Association of Ireland, Padraig Smith is set for a new challenge in MLS with the Colorado Rapids.
The Rapids announced the hiring of Smith Thursday, as the Irishman will assume the role of the club’s Sporting Director. Smith will be charged with overseeing the club’s team operations while also focusing on data and performance analysis, which was his specialty with UEFA.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at UEFA,” Smith said. “However, I feel that this is the right opportunity for me to move on to another exciting and challenging chapter in my career. It is clear to everyone in European football that MLS is taking major strides towards its goal of becoming one of the top leagues in the world and I believe the Rapids are poised to play a leading role in that development. It’s a project I’m very much looking forward to playing a key role in.”
Smith, who will officially begin on Jan. 1, was a key member of UEFA’s Financial Analysis Group where he oversaw club’s compliances with Financial Fair Play rules. In addition, Smith chaired a group that looked to develop the game in Ireland while also implementing the first salary cap structure in the League of Ireland.
SOUNDERS SIGN HOMEGROWN FORWARD MANSARAY
With homegrown star DeAndre Yedlin set to depart some time in the near future, the Seattle Sounders have added another homegrown talent to the team’s ranks.
The Sounders announced Wednesday that the club had signed 17-year-old forward Victor Mansaray to a homegrown deal. Mansaray, who will join the Sounders for the 2015 season, is the club’s fourth homegrown signing following Yedlin, Sean Okoli and Aaron Kovar.
“I think the time was right for me to take the next step going forward and it’s a dream come true for me to sign with Sounders FC,” said Mansaray. “I’m surrounded by the right people and I’m looking forward to working hard and getting better. That’s why I’m here.”
Mansaray, who has been a regular for the U.S. Men’s U-18 National Team, scored a team high 18 goals for the Sounders U-16 squad in his second season with the team.
“We are thrilled to add Victor as the club’s fourth Homegrown Player and are confident in his ability to become a standout pro,” said Sounders FC Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “He has all the tools to succeed and his time with the Academy and the U-18 National Team prepared him well. We are excited to continue his development.”
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Where do you see Torres ending up? What do you think of the Rapids’ hire? What do you expect from Mansaray in the future?
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