After a few months of speculation and various rumors, reports are coming in from multiple sources that David Beckham will stay in MLS. Many reports from French press stated Beckham’s move to Ligue 1 side Paris Saint Germain was imminent but those turned out to be false.

PSG Director of Football, Leonardo, told press the following about Beckham’s decision to remain in Los Angeles.

“David was very interested in coming to Paris. But the welfare of his family in Los Angeles, the wish not to change everything in his life, weighed heavily.”

Nasser al-Khelaifi, PSG president, echoed Leonardo’s comments that Beckham won’t be coming to Paris. He also cleared up reports that new manager Carlo Ancelotti changed focus from bringing in Beckham to Real Madrid’s Kaka.

“David Beckham is in Los Angeles, and he is going to stay there. He will not come [to PSG], that is clear.”

“It was not the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti that changed everything.”

As I wrote in 2011, I’m not surprised by this decision and I put his family as a major reason he’d likely stay. While the reports do state that the decision was for family reasons, the full reasons might never become clear. It could have been a combination of reasons but Beckham will likely finish his career with the Galaxy.

The Daily Mirror in England is reporting that Beckham will sign a new deal with the Galaxy sometime this week.

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David Beckham To Sign Contract Extension with LA Galaxy; Will Not Be Moving to PSG - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

As soon as the 2011 Major League Soccer season finished, the speculation of David Beckham’s future began to run rampant. The French press have falsely stated he’s already signed with Paris Saint-Germain and was supposed to be in Paris last weekend. Beckham’s management team has responded to these reports stating that a decision has not been made.

The only certainty for now is that Beckham will be playing for PSG or the LA Galaxy. After a rocky start to his time in LA, Beckham has settle in during the last few seasons and finished the 2011 season by winning MLS Cup. He’s recovered from injuries and backlash from Galaxy supporters (decision to go on loan to AC Milan) to being one of the top midfielders in MLS.

It seems that most think Beckham is more likely to sign with PSG but the Galaxy have made an offer. Below I’ve outlined the reasons for Beckham signing for either side.

Paris Saint-Germain

• Money - It’s clear that PSG Will offer more money than the Galaxy. The reports have the deal at $18 million for 18 months. Beckham makes more off the pitch than on it but there’s no denying that money always plays some role.
• Champions League - Another reason for Beckham to play in Paris would be the chance of returning to the UEFA Champions League. PSG are currently at the top of the French Ligue 1 table and are a strong bet to finish in the top 3. This would be Beckham’s last good chance to play in a top European league and he could cap his career by playing in the top club competition in the world.
• 2012 Olympics - Beckham would improve his chances to play for the Great Britain team if he’s a regular contributor in a top league. While MLS is improving, it’s still not considered the level of Ligue 1. If Beckham is successful at PSG, it would make his inclusion in the GB Olympic roster extremely likely.

LA Galaxy

• 2012 Olympics - This is a reason for the Galaxy as he could stay match fit leading up to the tournament. The MLS season runs from March-November where as in France the season would end in May. The Olympic tournament begins in late July so staying in MLS could give him an extra month or so of matches to get fit. Also, the Galaxy would not have any issue letting Beckham leave for the time to play in the Olympics where this would coincide with the start of the Ligue 1 season in France.
• Family - Beckham and his family has settled in Los Angeles. Going overseas to play for PSG would likely mean uprooting all that and starting over in Paris for 18 months. If the decision was purely based on his family, you would think that the Galaxy would have the edge over Paris.
• Future After Playing - Beckham has talked about his interest in becoming an owner after his playing days are over. Staying with the Galaxy would make it a seamless transition into the front office of a new MLS franchise. It’s also possible that he could stay with the Galaxy and move towards being a coach/manager or General Manager type position. As with the reason above, staying in Los Angeles makes all this a lot easier than moving back and forth between Paris in an 18 month span.

One thing is for sure and that is that reports shouldn’t be trusted until it’s confirmed by Beckham.

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French Reports Have Beckham Signing With PSG But Don’t Rule Out The LA Galaxy - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

In Episode 10 of our podcast, we talk with ESPN.com writer Jeff Carlisle who gives his thoughts on the MLS Cup Final and the future of David Beckham. Jeff (@jeffreycarlisle on twitter) also discusses the USA National Team and Olympic tournament at London 2012. You can listen to the episode at the embedded player below as well as past episodes are at http://the90thminute.libsyn.com

The 90th Minute Podcast – Episode 10 Featuring Jeff Carlisle

The 90th Minute Podcast – Episode 10 – Jeff Carlisle Talks MLS, Beckham, Donovan, and USMNT - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

In Episode 9 of our podcast, we talk with Yahoo! Sports Martin Rogers to preview the MLS Cup Final between the LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo. Martin (@mrogersyahoo on twitter) also gives his thoughts on David Beckham’s future and whether he’ll return to MLS or play in Europe. You can listen to the episode at the embedded player below as well as past episodes are at http://the90thminute.libsyn.com

The 90th Minute Podcast – Episode 9 Featuring Martin Rogers

The 90th Minute Podcast – Episode 9 – Martin Rogers Previews 2011 MLS Cup Final - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

With the 2011 MLS season nearing its end, David Beckham future becomes reason for speculation and rumor. The Englishman had a rocky start in LA but has been a significant part of turning the franchise from worst to first. There’s been talk of Beckham moving back to England or somewhere else in Europe but will he stay in MLS? Here’s why I think he’ll stay in MLS for 2012 and likely finish his playing career stateside.

Now, just to clarify before going into my reasons, I’m not saying he won’t go on loan in 2012 but that he will remain in MLS.

2012 Olympics

If Beckham were to join a team in Europe, it would likely make it difficult for him to also participate in the London Olympics. If he stays in MLS (and most likely with the LA Galaxy), he would likely be allowed to play in the tournament. This could happen with a club in Europe but probably not as likely as it would be near the start of the domestic leagues. While the Galaxy put their foot down in regards to loan moves recently, they will more than likely be willing to let Beckham play in the Olympics.

Family

Beckham has stated that his wife and kids enjoy living in Los Angeles. It’s no secret that a footballer’s family/wife can have an impact on their career decisions. His family has settled in the USA and a move back to Europe doesn’t seem likely. It is possible Beckham could return overseas to play without his family moving but the chances are better he stays in the USA.

Future MLS Owner

One of the unique features of Beckham’s contract with the LA Galaxy was an option to buy an MLS expansion franchise. Beckham has talked about the possibility of moving into the front office after playing and this would be the perfect opportunity. If he finishes his career (probably only a few more seasons at most), it could be a seamless transition to the front office of the 20th MLS franchise (probably 2nd NY team).

Why David Beckham Will Stay In MLS Next Season - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

With the 2012 Summer Olympics in London getting closer, David Beckham has stated he would like to be apart of the team. Beckham, who appears to have no real chance of appearing for the Three Lions again, could be selected for U-21 team as one of the overage players (usually three allowed). Below are his quotes on the subject.

“Once the manager has been picked I’d love to be part of the Olympics,” Beckham said. “I’d be honoured to be something in the GB team, especially being an East End lad.

“But it would be as a player rather than a coach. I’ll be 37 but I’d still be better as a player rather than a coach. I still feel like I’m 21 when I’m playing. I still love the game like I did when I was 21, I’m still as fit as I ever was and everyone knows I’ve looked after myself properly.

“There are 13 months to go and a lot of decisions to be made but football has been part of my life for so many years so to be part of that would be incredible.”

“Stuart Pearce has done well with the Under-21s but we’ll have to wait and see whether he is the manager of the Great Britain team. It’s not my decision, thankfully.”

David Beckham Targets Place in England 2012 Olympic Squad - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

A short-term (2 month) loan deal for David Beckham to Tottenham Hotspur will not happen. Instead, the LA Galaxy midfielder, will train for a few weeks with Tottenham before returning to LA to start pre-season for the 2011 MLS season. It’s unclear on why the loan didn’t happen as many reports had it close to a done deal. Beckham will train with Spurs until February 10 when he returns to LA.

It’s quite possible that the Galaxy just didn’t want to let Beckham leave on loan and risk another injury. It’s the last season of Beckham’s contract with the Galaxy and it’s all but sure he’ll return to Europe to finish his career. If Beckham were to get injured while on loan, it would be the second straight year (last year he ruptured Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan).

In the end, this is the best decision for the Galaxy and Major League Soccer. Beckham will be able to train with the Galaxy in pre-season and the club is expected to be one of the favorites to win the 2011 MLS Cup. Below are comments from Harry Redknapp as well as Beckham on the decision.

“David is a fantastic professional – he will be a great influence around the place and I am sure we will all benefit from his winning mentality,” Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said. “I think everyone will enjoy having him here. We’d love to have him here for longer but respect his commitments to LA Galaxy. They wanted him back in early February so that made it difficult to do a playing deal on the basis of three weeks.”

“It’s important that I maintain a high level of fitness during the MLS off season,” Beckham said. “I’m thankful to Tottenham and Harry Redknapp for giving me the opportunity to train with the team over the next month. I’m grateful to the LA Galaxy for allowing to me to train with Spurs. I look forward to getting to work as soon as possible.”

David Beckham Will Train With Tottenham But Loan Deal Called Off - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

New reports out of various media sources are saying that David Beckham is close to signing a deal for a three month short-term loan with Tottenahm Hotspur. Beckham will make around 120,000 pounds a week (or about 187,000 US dollars) with the deal that will make him for the highest paid player (during the loan) for Spurs.

Assuming the deal does happen (and it hasn’t been finalized yet so it’s not a given), Beckham would probably be available for the Manchester United match on January 16. While the Galaxy initially said a loan wouldn’t happen, it seems they’ve softened their stance.

For the Galaxy, the deal would have Beckham return for the 2011 MLS season (which starts in March). While Spurs appear to be the front runners to get Beckham, numerous other clubs in Europe have shown interest.

As usual, more information will be posted as it becomes available.

Tottenham Hotspur Offering David Beckham Short-Term Loan Deal Worth £1.5m - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

While the Los Angeles Galaxy recently said that they wouldn’t allowed David Beckham to leave on a short-term loan, it appears that could be changing. Beckham wants to make a return overseas to prove he should be called for England with several UEFA 2012 qualifying matches in 2011.

The English midfielder had said that he would only return to the EPL for Manchester United but reports are that he’s changing his mind. The Red Devils are unlikely to be interested in a deal but Tottenham Hotspur have stated their interest. Manager Harry Redknapp had the following statements on a possible loan

“We’ll contact LA Galaxy to see if they will let him go and if David is up for a three-month deal, we will definitely be interested,” Redknapp said, according to the BBC.

“I’m sure he can still do a great job at the top level, otherwise I wouldn’t bother,” Redknapp said. ”He isn’t going to come here and get big money. We aren’t massive payers at this club. But he wants to come over here to the freezing cold and play football. Doesn’t that tell you something about the boy that he lives in Los Angeles and might be a billionaire?”

With the a busy schedule in the upcoming months (Champions League, EPL, and FA Cup), there would definitely be a chance for Beckham to play at Spurs. Even if he doesn’t play much, Beckham would get to train with a top club in Europe and have a chance to show he should be apart of the Three Lions.

UPDATE – It appears that a deal is in place and will happen as soon as the LA Galaxy agree to it. Below are more comments from Redknapp

“He just said that he would like to come and play here at Tottenham,”

“We’d have to get him quickly if it’s going to happen as he’s only available until March. I’ve left it to the people at the club. I’ve passed it on them. They’re talking to whoever they have to talk to at his club. It’s down to whether they’d let him come or not.”

David Beckham Linked With Short-Term Loan To Tottenham Hotspur - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Los Angeles Galaxy have come out and publicly stated they will not allow David Beckham to leave for a loan. Beckham has stated he would be interested in another move overseas to improve his chances for an England call-up but a compromise could be reached.

Instead of the Galaxy allowing a loan, they could agree to letting Beckham train overseas with a top club to keep his fitness. This would give Beckham a chance to remain in the picture for the England National Team but allow him to return for the MLS season. A major reason why the Galaxy don’t want Beckham to leave for a loan is a possible injury and it’s the last season of his contract.

Last season while with AC Milan during a loan, Beckham injured his Achilles tendon which forced him to miss several months of the MLS season (and the World Cup). It’s unclear what Beckham will do before the 2011 MLS season but training with a club in England seems very likely.

As usual, when any new details become available, they will be posted on here.

David Beckham Will Not Go On Loan In Winter Transfer Window - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog