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Report: USMNT midfielder Bedoya in talks to join Union

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While several U.S. Men’s National Team players are looking to break into European squads, an established midfielder could be on his way to Major League Soccer.

On Monday night, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that Alejandro Bedoya is currently in talks with the Philadelphia Union over a move to MLS after spending all nine of his professional seasons in Europe.

While the Union are reportedly the favorites to sign Bedoya, the Eastern Conference side currently occupies the second position in the league’s allocation order, sitting one spot behind the Chicago Fire.

The reported move comes less than a year after the Union were said to be close to acquiring Bedoya from Ligue 1 side Nantes. The French side had reportedly pulled out of completing the deal at the last minute after initially agreeing to a transfer fee of $1 million.

Bedoya, 29, is coming off of one of his most productive campaigns as a pro. In 31 matches for the French club last season, Bedoya notched five goals across all competitions, while playing a key role in the team’s midfield.

The USMNT midfielder played in five of the country’s six matches at this summer’s Copa America Centenario, where the host nation finished in fourth place.

Comments

  1. 2nd most overrated player in the national team pool. He better get his money while he can. Too bad for the team that gets this lemon.

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  2. 29 is too young to retire.
    But hey MLS has made Bradley and Altidore so much better since they have been back…NOT!!!
    By the way how can the Union be negotiating when I Believe the Fire are next in the order ?hmmmm
    This league sucks so bad all the shenanigans
    watered down talent, lack of technical ability and abundance of hacking. Makes me sad when a Nat sells out for the money. I’m sure knowing they will b pencilled in as starters no matter how hard they practice they will still be starters

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  3. I find it a bit humorous that a basketball writer broke the story. (Yes, I know Stein-y Mo is a huge soccer fan, but come on, he’s not on the soccer beat.)

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  4. I don’t really have an issue with USMNT players returning/coming to MLS when they’re around 30. It’s an age where they still have enough to help improve the Leagues play and perception. What I don’t particularly care for is players in their mid 30’s coming into the league as a last gasp to extend their careers….players like Lampard, Dragba, etc….

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    • …yet Lampard and Drogba are currently tow of the best players in the league.

      Bedoya isn’t going to get any better at this point in his career, so a move stateside shouldn’t be bad for him.

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      • …yet Lampard and Drogba are currently tow of the best players in the league.

        Yes, and that’s an indictment on the league. Signing players nearing 40 probably does more harm than good by alienating the actual fan base who wants to like MLS but grows tired of Don Garber treating it more like a circus than an actual soccer league.

        It may grab headlines, but it makes the league look like a joke.

  5. I think if MLS takes the next step it will be through retaining and employing the regions best talents from all over the CONCACAF map. It’s for this reason I’m actually ok with MLS overpaying to retain or return Nats.

    Bedoya still offers a lot at the age of 29. I know it’s not sexy from a global standpoint, but moves like this and Nicolás Lodeiro are fantastic. I could do without the Pirlo’s, Lampard’s and the Drogba’s. Hat tricks or not, from a perception standpoint MLS has a long, long way to go.

    These signings are a step in the right direction.

    Reply

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