Clint Dempsy returning to MLS

[Unregistered]

After announcing earlier this week that the MLS has sights on expanding to 24 teams by 2020, American soccer fans got more encouraging news when reports dropped Friday night that native son Clint Dempsey will be returning to U.S. soil.

Dempsey's former club, Tottenham Hotspur, announced early Saturday that the Texan had indeed been sold back to the MLS. Multiple reports have confirmed that the Seattle Sounders have acquired Dempsey, and an announcement could come as early as Saturday night.

Terms of the deal are not yet known -- no one from the Sounders will discuss the transfer -- but some reports have Dempsey due to receive $32 million in base salary. Also, according to NBC Sports, Seattle will pay a $9 million transfer fee -- the highest in MLS history.

Dempsey, 30, began playing overseas in 2007 and has accumulated 57 international goals. He also spent three seasons in the MLS early in his career with the New England Revolution, winning rookie of the year honors in 2007.

[Unregistered]

After announcing earlier this week that the MLS has sights on expanding to 24 teams by 2020, American soccer fans got more encouraging news when reports dropped Friday night that native son Clint Dempsey will be returning to U.S. soil.

Dempsey's former club, Tottenham Hotspur, announced early Saturday that the Texan had indeed been sold back to the MLS. Multiple reports have confirmed that the Seattle Sounders have acquired Dempsey, and an announcement could come as early as Saturday night.

Terms of the deal are not yet known -- no one from the Sounders will discuss the transfer -- but some reports have Dempsey due to receive $32 million in base salary. Also, according to NBC Sports, Seattle will pay a $9 million transfer fee -- the highest in MLS history.

Dempsey, 30, began playing overseas in 2007 and has accumulated 57 international goals. He also spent three seasons in the MLS early in his career with the New England Revolution, winning rookie of the year honors in 2007.

Wish this was a year from now. Would have liked to see Clint get ready for the WC next summer by playing in England and Europe.

24 teams in the MLS is a mistake. That is what killed the old NASL. Too many teams and not enough talent to go around

[Unregistered]

Depends. If Bale is sold by the Spurs, then Dempsey's playing time will almost certainly increase; otherwise he'll be lucky to see time in 50% of their matches.

As for the MLS expanding, you can't compare NASL to the MLS. The quality of play is better, there's more interest and coverage and the teams are better financed. I'll admit, I'm a little concerned that the MLS may be expanding too rapidly (as you suggest), but there's a much larger pool of quality American players to draw from not to mention the Central and South American players the MLS is beginning to draw.

[Unregistered]

Adding 5 teams over the next 7 years isn't exactly rushing things considering how big this country is.