While we generally try to stay away from reporting rumours here at CSN, but an interesting story seems to be coming from Sweden today.
A former National U-17 player and current member of Utsiktens BK appears to be on Tommy Soehn's radar. Anton Hysen, son of former Liverpool hero Glenn Hysen seems to have made quite an impression on the Whitecaps Front Office. He previously had a stint as a member of BK Hacken where he would have trained alongside Seattle Sounders man Erik Friberg. He sounds like he'll bring a blue collar attitude to the pitch as when he's not playing soccer he works part time as a construction labourer.
Hysén became a bit of a media sensation earlier this spring when he became the first professional footballer in [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]Sweden to come out of the closet. People have already tried to make links between David Testo's coming out last month and this announcement by Hysén, but he has shot these presumptions down immediately. He says the initial contact was made based on the fact that his agent has a connection with former head coach Teitur Thordason.
Supposedly the Whitecaps are not the only team currently recruiting the young defender. According to the Swedish website aftonbladet.se, Sporting Kansas City are also looking to secure the services of the young Swede.
Although you can never trust the online translations provided by the internets, his quotes sound like he was very impressed with the clubs presentation to him, and has a strong understanding of what his role would be. "I talked with them and it looks good, I can say. They are interested. It was a good talk and they have said how they want it"
Any way you cut it the Whitecaps are desperate for someone to fill the hole at right back and this if nothing else shows that Tommy Soehn is making a concerted effort to search out new talent.
Apparently Travelling Tommy has been fairly busy lately. Earlier in the week local media was all over the scent of former Korean international Lee Young-pyo. A left back who has experience having played for the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur, and PSV Eindhoven. While he has played most of his career on the Left, the position is pretty well reserved for Alain Rochat at this point. A defender of his ilk should be able to transition to the right and at least do a better job then Jeb Brovski. Experience and age tend to go hand in hand, and as has been documented Lee has a lengthy C.V. but his age (34) could be a snag for him signing with the Whitecaps. Selling quality youth players to bigger clubs has always been the mantra with the Caps, and signing at 30+ defender goes against everything the club stands for. Supposedly. Mind you another last place finish would be devastating to a team who's main bright spot was it's solid fan support. A few more wins next year and a flashy signing would go a long way for seasons ticket renewals.
In either case it is the agent who is doing the talking and mum seems to be the word on the clubs end of the line, so only time will tell. Try not to get too caught up in the transfer rumours, apparently anyone who has won a World Cup in the last 12 years is going to sign with Montreal. While they are just rumours it sure does make the offseason a lot of fun.
Do you have big expectations for Travelling Tommy to sign some big names this year? Disappointed in the names you've heard rumoured so far? Do you believe anything you read during the month before the January transfer window opens?