The worst kept secret so far in this offseason has been the addition of 34 year old Young-Pyo Lee to the Vancouver Whitecaps roster. There is an asterisk in the headline of this story because it is yet to be formally announced by the club. However news broke early this morning via both Reuters and FIFA.com that the transfer has in fact gone through. Hell he already told the world himself via Twitter.
In the past few days stories have crept out from sources like The Vancouver Sun's Bruce Constantineau, that the former Korean international was in town to talk contracts with last years worst team in the league. Ben and Duane brought up Young-Pyo's twitter account on Monday's It's Called Football podcast with Bob Lenarduzzi, and he laughed off the question as best he could. Now it's official, even if they are not willing to admit it.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Young-Pyo does not seem to have any qualms about his new squads results from last year stating- "I am going to play hard and help the team post a good record next season." While you could only expect a professional to throw out such a typical cliche, in all reality he is likely being brought in as a role model and a leader. Part of the It's Called Football interview got a little bit garbled, but it sounded like (or more likely I am guessing) Bobby was mentioning how he is being brought in to fill a leadership role in a similar way to Takashi Hirano was in the Pre-MLS era.
...but then "The Fear" sets in...
What if he's just another Rafa Marquez? Over-rated and over paid?
The Marquez comparison brings up another interesting question, will the World Cup hero be given DP money? Lenarduzzi again refused to comment, so as not to ruin the surprise, but he did mention that they DO still have a DP slot left. So IF they did sign player of that quality they could potentially use a DP spot.
The attack minded defender will become the second member of the Whitecaps back line with Champions League experience. The confusing situation that has come of all this is where will he play? Traditionally a left back, the Whitecaps are already fairly deep at the position. They already have Alain Rochat and Jordan Harvey on the roster, however towards the end of the season Harvey was playing more of a left wing role. He would drop back as Rochat routinely pushed forward. While strong, creative, and occasionally remarkable down the left flank, Vancouver were brutally victimized on the right side time and again. So who will be the second left back playing out of position?
When he arrived at the airport this weekend he was greeted by club representatives and a small group of supporters. He has been quoted as saying "I am happy with the atmosphere in Vancouver, and I was also impressed with the management's professionalism" but if he turns out to be an utter disappointment it will not be long before he realizes how quickly the atmosphere can change at BC Place, and how quickly the fans will lose patience. One only need to look as far as Mustapha Jarju to find a "big signing" that the fans have turned their backs on. In the same breath though Vancouver faithful can be incredibly forgiving. Take for example Long Tan and the cult following he developed, simply by having an entertaining name and a never give up attitude.
According to Young Pyo's agency the deal will be for 1 year with an option to extend for another season. Are you glad to see that the club is showing a little hesitation in signing a big name out of a rubbish league to a big deal a la Jarju? Is this a publicity stunt to take advantage of Vancouver's heavy Asian population? Is Lee Young-Pyo going to be the real deal and destroy the opposition?