Another Sounders FC training camp rumor to start your Monday. See below, and note that this whole thing started when a fan of Saprissa saw an MLS film crew at a practice in Costa Rica filming Saborio in training. The fan eyed the crew as coming from Real Salt Lake. Then today this report surfaced...
UPDATE: OK, not "this week," says the latest Times article...
UPDATE: This tweet from Joshua Mayers says Sounders FC have said they will NOT be bringing Saborio in to 'training camp.'
A report this morning from Aldia.cr suggests that Costa Rican striker Álvaro Saborío could soon be joining Sounders FC. Previously the player had been connected to a move to Real Salt Lake. A Google translation reads:
Costa Rica striker Alvaro Saborio, is reportedly close to signing for the team Seattle Sounders in MLS, and is therefore, also in Costa Rican teammate Leonardo Gonzalez.
Saborio reach the American club on loan, with option to purchase, according to his agent said Horacio es Salaam. So far, nothing has not been buttoned up, due to the strike of players who are in MLS, and where you can not recruit players.
The striker, whose form is owned by 50 percent to Sion of Switzerland, and the other to Saprissa coaching remains with purples, awaiting to be defining their future...
A little research into the player shows that perhaps he no longer has club affiliations. Sky Sports reports: "Alvaro's had problems at home and it's been so bad for him that's he asked to cancel his deal here and end his time with FC Sion as well."
It seems the soon-to-be 28 year old (he turns 28 on March 25, the day of Sounders FC's 2010 season opener) had family issues at home that brought him back to Costa Rica. This may have resulted in a temporary retirement and non-contract status for the striker. This report ponders why Bristol City has had a difficult time recently getting foreign players to settle.
The RSL fan blog report speculates: "The current labor negotiations may be holding up the deal, as teams are unsure of the amount that they will have to “invest”. Under the old collective bargaining agreement, the important aspect would likely be who held an MLS discovery claim on the player...He cannot return to Europe and play, or play in Costa Rica because of closed transfer windows, making MLS an attractive option."
Saborío's Bristol City bio page.
So, does this make sense for the Sounders? Or is RSL the more-likely bidder? Since Seattle already has South American attacking flavor in the boots of Fredy Montero, and possible Colombian youngster Miguel Montaño it sure seems on the surface like this is a better fit for RSL.
Comments
Love these kinds of rumors, especially when they turn out to be true. ;) I've gotta agree with you though, Dave...seems more like an RSL deal to me.
is it just me, or does he have the most amazing lips... :)
A lot of rumors about strikers which is natural. Kind of makes me wonder if they think they have a deal lined up for Freddie in the summer. Seems too early but...
I love this time of year, and I love this 'blog.' Way to keep your finger on the *update* button all day long, David. :)
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!