Rumor: Seattle FC in "Advanced Negotiations" With Thierry Henry
Posted Mar 26th 2008 9:10PM
by David J. Warner
Barcelona's French striker Thierry Henry (C) controls the ball d... AFP/Getty Images
In an obvious attempt to distract Seattle soccer fans from complaining about their choice of MLS franchise names, someone within MLS has leaked a rather juicy rumor -- Thierry Henry may be headed to the Emerald City.
Steven Cohen of World Soccer Daily reported today that the new Seattle MLS franchise is in "advanced negotiations" with the French striker and could lure him out of Barcelona in time for Seattle's inaugural season in 2009. Cohen did not reveal his source -- natch -- but did call it a "very good authority" on matters concerning Seattle. For all we know, though, Cohen ran into a very sloshed Drew Carey in a pub in Hollywood last night.
Either way, it's a rumor that has legs. For one, Thierry Henry has talked in the past about how much he loves America and would like to live here when his career winds down -- which appears to be happening already. Also, if anyone has enough money to bring a player like Henry to America, it's Paul Allen, one of the new Seattle franchise's principal owners. Allen could pay Henry's transfer fee with his petty cash drawer, and it would put fans in the seats instantly.
Of course, the one problem with this rumor is that Henry spent an entire press conference last week moaning about how he never sees his daughter in London anymore, and the distance between London and Seattle is far greater than the distance between London and Barcelona. On the other hand, it's possible that he's using his family problems -- which he helped create by reportedly cheating on his wife -- an excuse for his dip in form this season. Besides, angst like that would be a perfect fit for the city that gave us Kurt Cobain and Chris Cornell.
Bringing Henry to America would be as big a coup for MLS as bringing David Beckham to L.A. The former Arsenal superstar would sell tickets, and his goals would get plenty of run on ESPN. The only question is whether Henry would be happy playing with a bunch of kids who spent their 2008 season playing for a USL club. Perhaps if the price is right, that won't matter. After all, look at the lack of talent surrounding Becks with the Galaxy.
