So they have a new kit but they currently have no team to wear it!

The New York Cosmos brand is back up and running but it is still early days.  The foundations have well and truly been laid for them to build an organization and most importantly a team full of glitz and glamour they had back in the 1970′s.

Since the Cosmos have been reborn they have employed some big names in the world of football, none bigger than Pele himself , who is already a major part of their history and plans to add another chapter to this as honorary president. Eric Cantona and Cobi Jones have been appointed as directors of football for the club which shows they are trying to put together a cast to rival ‘The Great Escape’!

So who should they sign? Rumours have it that they will be competing in the MLS by 2013 which means they dont have very much time to get a team of  allstars together. Pele, Beckenbauer and Carlos Alberto have all worn the Cosmos shirt so whoever they decide to be the new faces of the club they will have a lot to live up to.

So who will Pele and Co. get to play in their fantasy football side.

Top 5 players New York Cosmos should sign…………..

1. Ronaldo – He is Brazilian and he is considered as one of the best players to ever kick a ball, which the Cosmos are used to.  He has just gone into early retirement but if Pele and Cantona can not persuade him to join their new team of stars then no one can. Ronaldo is one of the most decorated players in recent years from being the all time record goal scorer in World Cup Finals to having won titles with some of the biggest clubs in the world, Real Madrid and AC Milan. Just his name alone would send shirt sales through the roof but with the natural instinct he has in front of goal the fans would go crazy for him spearheading their attack.

2. Michael Owen – has played at Liverpool, Real Madrid and currently Manchester United so why not New York Cosmos. Sir Alex Ferguson believes he still has what is needed to compete at the top level and with his goal scoring record he could certainly shine in the MLS. Owen has been a fringe player at Man Utd due to injury problems and the talent they have at their disposal it is hard for him to hold down a starting place week in week so regular games in the MLS might well appeal towards the end of his playing career.

3. Ronaldinho – Another Brazilian with the flair and crowd pleasing skills the Cosmos fans should dream of seeing at their new stadium. He has just moved to Flamengo from Milan and in a year or two could be looking for a glamorous send off with famous names he has been used to playing with and against over the years. Having been praised by Pele over the years this could certainly be a possibility.

4. Gattuso – A different player to the above but if the Cosmos want to compete at the top end of the league they are going to need a general in the midfield and no one likes a battle in the centre of the pitch more than Gennaro Gattuso. With the controversy that has surrounded him in recent weeks over his antics against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League he might be looking for an escape route which could well be in New York.

5. Xavi – Consider the best midfielder in the world right now with Barcelona, but by the time the Cosmos enter the MLS he will be 33 years old and won nearly everything the European game has to offer. Technically he is the best around and he has proved it time and again, with the potential strike force in front of him at the Cosmos and his ability to find a defense splitting pass it could be a match made in heaven.  A less pressured atmosphere in the MLS might just be what he needs after all the important games he has played for Barcelona.

So with my top five compiled and as you can see the players in the top 5 would put the New York Cosmos back to being a world famous and glamorous club that attracts footballing greats from all around the world which could make Eric Cantona’s dream of becoming the ‘best club in the world’ come true.

Who would you sign?

Who should New York Cosmos sign? - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

With AC Milan making several moves this season in the transfer window, rumors continue to swirl about the future of Ronaldinho. The latest are that the Brazilian could be moving in the winter transfer window to the MLS side LA Galaxy. Rumors this summer had Ronaldinho possibly moving to the Galaxy where he would join former teammate David Beckham and USA star Landon Donovan.

The Galaxy have the best record in MLS this season and are clearly the most well known club. AC Milan have stated their desire to keep Ronaldinho but likely would want him to sign a contract with reduced wages (current contract ends in 2011).

The report was in the Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport but this is just a rumor and no confirmation. The report states that Ronaldinho’s agents will be meeting the Galaxy about a possible move in January. One reason why the move could happen is the addition of Robinho, who plays basically the same position (usually a left attacking mid position).

It’s also rumored Milan could try and lure Kaka back to Italy from Real Madrid in January.

As I stated before, these are just rumors but it does appear that Ronaldinho will be joining the Galaxy eventually. It’s unclear if that will be in January or in the summer.

Ronaldinho Again Linked With Possible Transfer To LA Galaxy - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

There continues to be speculation over where Ronaldinho (currently still on contract with AC Milan) will be playing at in a few weeks. Rumors had him in talks with a few Brazilian clubs and the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer but reports recently came out stating he was staying with Milan. Now, Gazella dello Sport, an Italian media outlet, is reporting that Ronaldinho will join the Galaxy.

The move coincides with the Galaxy freeing up cap space with the retirement of Clint Mathis and trade of Alan Gordon. If the Brazilian joins LA, it would help them have a very strong attacking line-up. Ronaldinho would likely play up top with Edson Buddle while Landon Donovan and David Beckham (likely to return in a month or so) would occupy the winger spots. That would definitely be the most dangerous attacking foursome in MLS.

Many though that Ronaldinho would be moving to the Galaxy but it might not happen until next year. The recent roster moves from LA combined with the latest report from Italian media all add up to this being very likely. As usual, more information will be posted as it becomes available and confirmed.

Ronaldinho Set To Leave AC Milan and Sign With LA Galaxy - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Will Ronaldinho be leaving Italy for LA?

The reports coming out of Italy state that AC Milan is willing to listen to offers for Ronaldinho. Brazilian side Flamengo initially seemed like a destination but it seems unlikely now as AC Milan are reportedly asking for a transfer fee of around 8.5 million pounds or 13 million USA dollars. The only other option that appears viable (outside of staying with Milan) would be the Los Angeles Galaxy.

It’s a significant transfer amount for an MLS side to pay but the Galaxy could be willing to do it. They signed David Beckham to the largest ever contract in the league and would definitely increase their revenue with the signing (long-term it could be more than the transfer fee but short-term unlikely).

Another option would be to sell Landon Donovan to Europe where they would likely get a transfer free of $10 million or more to offset the cost of bringing in Ronaldinho. Reports are suggesting that MLS doesn’t want to sell Donovan but if they are offered a substantial transfer fee, a move will happen.

So, where will Ronaldinho end up? It seems its all up to the Galaxy and whether they want to pay the transfer fee. If they do, then Ronaldinho should be joining Beckham in LA but if not then he’ll likely stay at Milan and finish his career with Flamengo FC/

Below are few quotes on the matter from his agent and brother.

“During (Milan’s) USA tour, we met a few people,” Roberto de Assis told Gazzetta dello Sport. “And David Beckham is pushing to get Dinho at LA Galaxy.

“Should an agreement not be reached for a renewal at Milan, this could be an option for next summer.”

“To the question that should Dinho like to one day to play with Flamengo, the answer is yes,” Roberto said.

“This is his dream. But there is nothing else. We have not had contact and we have no intention to do this.

“Milan offered us a contract extension until 2013 and we agreed to talk about this by December. But the commitment for next season has never been under doubt.

“Our relationship with Milan is positive and my brother continues to think as he was two months ago: he wants to stay at Milan.”

Will Ronaldinho Stay At AC Milan Or Join The LA Galaxy? - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Ronaldinho could be joining former teammate David Beckham in LA

There have been a few reports this summer that Ronaldinho, currently with AC Milan, could be headed to MLS and the Los Angeles Galaxy. While it is just speculation and rumors at this point, there’s some news coming out that that the LA Galaxy could announce the signing of a designated player soon.

The news was from Real Salt Lake owner Dave Chicketts who was on KALL 700 AM discussing MLS. After talking about the Thierry Henry signing, he stated he expects MLS to announce another signing and he would be playing in LA. He doesn’t specify who would be but hints that it’s probably a Brazilian. Ronaldinho would fit this profile.

This is an actual MLS owner stating things on a radio station so it seems credible and unlikely he would make these claims. He’s also in a position where he would know about possible moves within the league and should be aware of any major signings.

What do you think? It is just speculation or a case of reading too much into what one of the MLS owners said on a radio show? You can listen for yourself below and view the quotes.

Below is a link to the interview (the talk about the move comes towards the end of the clip) along with the quote.

RSL Owner Dave Checketts hints at Ronaldinho to Galaxy transfer

(on KALL AM 700 Sports) “I expect, by the way, Major League Soccer to make another announcement (in addition to Thierry Henry move) in the next couple of days about another very big world superstar coming to our league (MLS)”

“Another one of our teams (in MLS) is going to make a major investment and that will be a big announcement in the next couple of days”

(When asked, what’s the team and who is the player?) “I would imagine that this guy is coming to LA and you will recognize who he is”

(When asked, might he be Brazilian?) “I think he might”

You can listen to the interview here and the discussion on soccer (also talks on Landon Donovan) is towards the end.

LA Galaxy To Announce Major Signing Soon; Could Be Ronaldinho - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Will Ronaldinho be joining MLS?

The summer transfer window in MLS opens in a few weeks (July 15th) and rumors continue to swirl over who teams will sign. Thierry Henry will be with the Red Bulls (has yet to be officially confirmed but seems a formality) and reports are now linking Ronaldinho to the LA Galaxy.

This seems like a decent possiblity as AC Milan appear open to a transfer for the Brazilian and he would join one of the best teams in MLS. Another reason it makes sense is that the Galaxy are likely to lose Landon Donovan, would have a designated player spot available, and would increase the club’s visibility even more. Ronaldinho, who is not the same player he was at Barcelona, is still a very good player who would certainly provide a boost to the league in quality and attendance.

Below are various reports about the story. These are just rumors at this point and it’s really unclear the chances of the transfer actually happening.

Sky Sport Italy (translated from Italian with Google Translate)

Since Los Angeles Galaxy are willing to start a MLS raise-up operation, they chose AC Milan forward Ronaldinho (30) as a fit testimonial. Expensive fee apart, Italian club aren’t willing to release him for free, while Brazilian star is tempted by the offer, since there are still reciprocal doubts on his deal renewal after 2011.

Milannews.it (translated from Italian with Google Translate)

The Los Angeles Galaxy are serious for Ronaldinho. As reported by the Californian club Sportitalia would offer the Gaucho 32 million in three years but with the image rights entirely the prerogative of the Galaxy.Milan wants to monetize the sale of the Brazilian. The contract expires in 2011 and Ronaldinho in January could begin to look for another team and get rid on a free transfer in June.

Los Angeles Galaxy targeting Ronaldinho during summer transfer window - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Nike has released their FIFA 2010 World Cup commerical entitled “Write The Future” which has already received a lot of attention and hits. It features several players including Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and Wayne Rooney. In the ad, each player is playing during a match and sees the possible effects of performing well at the World Cup. It’s a little ironic that Ronaldinho is featured in a World Cup ad when he won’t even be there as he was excluded from Brazil’s roster.

The highlights of the ad are Ronaldo featured on “The Simpsons”, Rooney living in a trailer park with a crazy beard, and the Ronaldinho Samba Robics based on his stepover moves. Overall, it’s a very entertaining ad and a great job by Nike to create even more buzz and attention to the World Cup and these specific players.

The full length video can be viewed here, on Free Soccer Highlights, and runs about three minutes in length.

Nike Football “Write The Future” 2010 World Cup Video: Rooney’s beard, Ronaldo on the Simpsons, Ronaldinho Samba-Robics, and more - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

It’s nearing the end of the European domestic leagues and the rumors continue to swirl about who will be joining Major League Soccer in the summer transfer window. The names that have been talked about include Thierry Henry, Raul, Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pires, Ronaldinho, and Patrick Vieira. Not all of these players are likely to join MLS, at least this summer, but at least a few should after the World Cup. Below is a closer look at each and the likelihood they will be playing in MLS by July/August.

Major League Soccer Summer Transfer Window Rumors

Thierry Henry

Numerous reports have stated Henry is set to join MLS after the World Cup and likely will be joining the New York Red Bulls. He has one year left on his contract with FC Barcelona but has reportedly made an agreement to allow him to leave during the summer. His chances of coming to MLS are very high and probably 90-95% at this point.

Raul

The Real Madrid striker has been talked about making a move to MLS for several months. He has lost his starting spot and Real Madrid has stated they will allow the striker to move to another club if he wants. He has been linked with the New York Red Bulls and the Los Angeles Galaxy. Raul has made few comments publicly about what he plans to do but his chances of moving to MLS are 50-50.

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho has been in reports as a player targeted by the LA Galaxy to replace the injured David Beckham. The move seemed more likely a month or two ago but recently the Brazilian has began talks to stay at AC Milan. He would have to take a pay cut to stay AC Milan so there’s a decent chance he will transfer to another club. MLS is a possibility as is the EPL (Man City), or even a team in Brazil. His chance of joining MLS over the summer is not great and around 10-15%.

Robert Pires

The Villarreal striker has been in talks with the Philadelphia Union about a move in the summer. Both sides have confirmed the talks and his American agent stated there are several clubs interested in Pires (in Europe and MLS). His move to MLS seems like a good possibility and around 55-60%.

Alessandro Del Piero

There was speculation the Juventus midfielder had an offer from the Red Bulls in April. It seemed like a possibility but Del Piero recently stated he isn’t interested in coming to MLS and will stay with Juventus, at least for next season. His chances of coming are very small, maybe 5% or lower.

The Latest MLS Summer Transfer Window Rumors - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Italian Serie had a full set of midweek matches including AC Milan at Udinese and Internazionale (Inter Milan) v Napoli. Overall, AC Milan has struggled early in the season while Inter and Juventus look strong. Here’s a recap of both of these matches along with video highlights.

Udinese upsets AC Milan 1-0 – Video Highlights

AC Milan continued to struggle as they quickly conceded a goal in the 22nd minute by Antonio Di Natale. Udinese had the 1-0 lead and continued to attack as they’d get chances on counterattacks. Milan had more possession but couldn’t convert anything in the first half as Udinese held onto their 1-0 lead. It was another disappointing performance or Milan but they still had the second half to salvage something out of the match.

In the second half, Udinese should have doubled their lead as Di Natale got a breakaway and just missed the shot wide off the edge of the post in the 49th minute. It was a lucky break for Milan who seemed to lack the cutting edge in the final third and energy throughout the whole match. One of the better chances for Milan came in the 60th minute as Ronaldinho had a free kick just outside the box but it hit the wall and wasn’t on goal. AC Milan continued to get chances in the second half but continued to miss opportunities. Milan scrambled to score the equalizer but never could as they lost to Udinese 0-1.

Inter Milan (Internazionale) beats Napoli 3-1 – Video Highlights

Inter Milan or Internazionale scored two early goals and never looked back as they beat Napoli on Wednesday in the Italian Serie A. Playing at the San Siro, Inter came out strong with a 2nd minute goal from Samuel Eto’o and another one in the 5th minute from Alberto Diego Milito. Inter Milan was not done as they would add one more in the first half, a 32nd minute goal from Ferreira Lucio. Napoli fought back after conceding three goals and cut the lead to two with a goal from Ezequiel Lavezzi in the 37th minute. The first half would end at 3-1 for Inter.

The second half was less wide open as Inter had a comfortable lead and would hold onto it. It was another solid victory for Jose Mourinho’s side as they look to once again win the Serie A title.

Udinese upsets AC Milan 1-0, Inter Milan tops Napoli 3-1: Italian Serie A Recap and Video Highlights – Wednesday, September 23, 2009 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

AC Milan and the Los Angeles Galaxy played a friendly Sunday night. The match was a chance for David Beckham to play against his club he was on loan to for the 2nd half of the season and a warmup for AC Milan who is competing in the World Football Challenge. Here’s a recap and video highlights of the match.

AC Milan and LA Galaxy play to a 2-2 draw – Video Highlights – AC Milan started off strong but couldn’t hold their lead against the Galaxy as the match ended in a 2-2 draw. The Galaxy were able to compete with Milan and had a few chances at the end of the match to get the win. Milan looked in their preseason form and it was definitely a laid back atmosphere considering its a friendly. Overall, it was a good performance for the Galaxy who have picked up their play recently in MLS. Sunday’s match started off with Milan taking the lead, off a Thiago Silva goal in the 1st half. Los Angeles responded about 15 minutes later with a great play as Beckham sent a long pass to a streaking Donovan who found Alan Gordon alone in the box for a volley shot into the back of the net. It was a great combination and helped to lift the crowd into the match as it remained 1-1 at halftime. The second half saw Milan pick up their attack and Ronaldinho showcase his skills. Around the 60th minute, the Galaxy defense showed its vulnerabilities as Flamini got free in the box and sent a pass to Inzaghi who easily beat the keeper for a 2-1 lead. Again, the LA Galaxy responded after being down as David Beckham lined up for a corner, sent it in the box, and Bryan Jordan headed it into the back of the net. The game remained 2-2 until the referee signaled the end of the match. It was a good match and effort from the Galaxy but clearly Milan were in preseason form and not taking the match too seriously.

AC Milan and LA Galaxy play to a 2-2 draw – Recap and Video Highlights - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog