The player who said in 2014 that he was not ready to join MLS because he was “not ready to relax on a beach” could soon be playing near the beaches of Southern California.
Multiple reports have stated that the LA Galaxy are negotiating a deal with veteran English fullback Ashley Cole. The Irish Sun first reported the news, and ESPNFC.com corroborated with a separate story that cited a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
Cole, who just turned 35, is currently on the books at AS Roma, but has not played this season because of a contract dispute. English Premier League outfit Aston Villa is said to be interested in signing Cole, but the Galaxy are in talks to bolster their back line with him after creating more cap room via Tuesday’s sale of Omar Gonzalez to Pachuca.
If Cole was to sign with MLS, the move would mark an interesting twist to his career. The former England international has been linked with the league since 2014, but infamously said back then that he was not ready to head stateside.
“I had offers from the USA, but I’m not ready to relax on a beach yet,” Cole told reporters shortly after signing with Roma in July 2014. “I’ve won a lot in my career already, but I don’t want to stop.”
A player who represented England 107 times, Cole has not seen much time since leaving Chelsea for Roma. He made 11 Serie A appearances last season, all of which were starts, but has not seen the field at all this campaign.
What do you think about the Galaxy being in negotiations with Cole? Would it be a good move for them to bring him on board to bolster the defense? Against him playing for the club and in MLS given his 2014 remarks?
Share your thoughts below.