The first 12 years of Giuseppe Rossi’s professional career have been spent in Europe, but a report is linking the Italian-American forward with a return to his birth country.
Univision Deportes reported on Monday that the New York Red Bulls have contacted Rossi regarding a possible move to the club. Currently, Rossi is under contract with Serie A club Fiorentina, but spent the second half of last season on loan with Spanish side Levante, who was relegated following an unsuccessful campaign.
However, any move to MLS currently features major hurdles. Rossi has one more season remaining on his deal with Fiorentina and, with the MLS transfer window closed, the Italian star would need to be released from that contract to be free to sign with the Red Bulls before the September 15 roster freeze.
Currently, the Red Bulls rely heavily on Bradley Wright-Phillips at the striker position, and were reportedly in the market for reinforcements all through the transfer window. Omer Damari was brought in from sister club RB Leipzig in the window’s closing moments, and the Israeli international will occupy a Designated Player spot alongside Sacha Kljestan and Gonzalo Veron. Ahead of the 2015 season, Wright-Phillips was also named a Designated Player, but is not currently listed as one by the league, meaning the club has used allocation money to buy down the forward’s deal.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Rossi joined Italian club Parma in 2000 before being signed by Manchester United in 2004. Just five first team appearances followed alongside loans to Newcastle United and Parma throughout his three-year stay. A permanent move to Villarreal produced the most consistent spell of Rossi’s career, as the forward made 136 appearances and scored 54 goals at the Spanish club before returning to Italy in 2014 with Fiorentina.
Internationally, Rossi has played for Italy 30 times while scoring seven goals, but injuries robbed Rossi of the opportunity to play in several major tournaments with the national team.
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