The newest Rossi rumor connects him specifically with the Montreal Impact and Chicago Fire. Montreal is in the market for another forward after the departure of Didier Drogba and the Fire are still revamping their roster in an attempt to be competitive in Veljko Paunovic’s second year in charge.
Rossi is currently on loan in Spain with Celta Vigo, where he has made six appearances for the La Liga side. The forward also spent time in Spain last season with Levante, where he scored six goals in 17 league matches. However, that form couldn’t earn him a spot in Fiorentina’s first team. Rossi has only played in 33 league matches for the Viola since joining in 2013 due to injuries and loan spells. His most successful stop in Europe came at Villarreal, where he scored over 10 goals in four straight season from 2007-2011.
Real Salt Lake close to acquiring Rusnak
Real Salt Lake is close to adding the first key piece to its much-needed rebuild. The Claret and Cobalt are in need of younger players in key roles, and it appears Slovakian No. 10 Albert Rusnak is on his way to Utah.
Dutch club FC Groningen announced on its website that Rusnak is off to MLS to join RSL, but that is the only official news from either side of the deal as of now. The 22-year-old is primarily a central attacking midfielder, but he’s also played on the wings in his career when called upon.
Rusnak was a part of the Manchester City youth system before permanently moving to Groningen in the January transfer window two years ago. He played on loan at SC Cambuur, Birmingham City and Oldham Athletic.
RSL is in need of a midfield playmaker after it mutually parted ways with Juan Manuel Martinez and declined the option on Javier Morales, who went on to sign with FC Dallas.
D.C. United trades Collin Martin to Minnesota United
Minnesota United’s slow roster build continued on Tuesday, as the Loons acquired a nice young piece from D.C. United.
D.C. United traded midfielder Collin Martin to Minnesota in exchange for 2018 fourth-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft. The 22-year-old American made 15 appearances across four years for the Black and Red. Martin only took the field for 91 minutes for the first team over the last two seasons.
Martin joins a growing midfield contingent in Minnesota that includes Johan Venegas and Mohammed Saeid. Despite the progress they’ve made, the Loons are still a few pieces away from fielding a competitive starting 11 in March.
Atlanta United announces first preseason friendly
The MLS preseason is rapidly approaching and MLS clubs are starting to announce their preseason plans.
Expansion side Atlanta United will play its opening match of the preseason on February 11 against FC Chattanooga at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga. Chattanooga is also the site of the recently announced U.S. men’s national team friendly against Jamaica on February 3.
“This is another exciting moment for our club, as our preseason tour will start in Chattanooga, signifying our first-ever official match,” Atlanta United president Darren Eales said. “We’re happy to begin our preseason in the southeast and are happy that our fans will have the opportunity to see us play at Finley Stadium in February.”