Get ready MLS fans, silly season is about to get absolutely wild! SoccerPlus has learned on Saturday that the Juve legend has just sent a representative to Quebec to prepare a possible jump to Major League Soccer with the Montreal Impact.
MLSSoccer.com Spanish-language writer David Ruiz cited Spanish daily Marca on Friday that new Impact member Alessandro Nesta has recently been lobbying his former Squadra Azzura team mate to join him in Montreal after a lucrative deal with a Thai side fell through earlier this week.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
A few months ago, SoccerPlus reported Del Piero had reached an agreement in principle to join MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy, with a private sponsor enabling the club to hire the Italian without having to make him a designated player.
Since that never worked out, the New York Red Bulls and Seattle Sounders were also in the picture, but here too, there was either a lack of interest (NYRB) or the parties never agreed on terms (Seattle). EPL’s Arsenal, Spanish Liga’s Malaga and Argentinian giant River Plate have also been reported as interested clubs, but without success.
The Impact confirmed a few months ago they had discussions with the player’s brother and agent, but that the door was closed since Del Piero clearly indicated he prefered to join LA or NY, if he was to come in MLS.
No doubt, the Impact would reopen the talks if Del Piero was tempted by Nesta’s invitation.
No doubt, the club’s management will listen to Nesta if he comes to them with the news he has convinced his pal to come.
If the situation evolves to a point that Montreal announces Il Fenomeno Vero’s coming to La Belle Province, up to a third of the club’s lineup could be made up of players acquired through the Italian connexion.
The news would be great for ticket sales, great for shirt sales, but what about the sporting orientation this club is taking?
One thing’s certain, Del Piero or not, the Montreal Impact has already become the Little Italy of MLS.