Tim Howard considering return to Major League Soccer?
Arguably the greatest American goalkeeper ever, Tim Howard now appears to be the next big name looking to make a return to Major League Soccer. British tabloid the Daily Mail is reporting that the longtime Premier League goalkeeper is currently considering a to return to the Major League Soccer.
Since being sent off on Boxing Day, Howard has suffered a calf injury and has yet to return to action. The injury as well as his current age has led Everton manager Roberto Martinez to look for a replacement to Howard in the sides starting eleven.
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By the season’s end, Howard will be 36-years old. With Everton looking set to move on from Howard, what better time than to return home and rejoin Major League Soccer. Returning to MLS would prolong his career and become one of the league’s top players.
His incredible performance against Belgium during this past summer’s World Cup only served to grow his legend stateside. His star power and ability would automatically raise the defensive bar for any club he joins. For many MLS clubs, acquiring Howard will bring with it a defensive boost as well as a popularity increase.
However it only appears that the league’s top clubs are willing to pay Howard the top dollar he will surely demand. Should Major League Soccer raise the salary cap with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, other clubs might express interest in signing Howard.
For now though, three clubs have emerged as the top contenders for Tim Howard. New York City FC, Los Angeles Galaxy and Toronto FC are the current reported leaders in the Howard sweepstakes. Though the allocation system could complicate matters later on, for now these three clubs lead the race.
New York City FC will be looking to sign Tim Howard not only to improve the squad, but also improve the clubs image. What better way to help the with current PR nightmare the Frank Lampard situation created for the club. With supporters very displeased with the club, signing Tim Howard would boost the fans support for the side.
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Another possible landing spot for Howard could be in Los Angeles. Since David Beckham joined the club in 2007, the Galaxy have become the destination for top players coming to America. United States legend Landon Donovan recent retirement opens the door for another American legend to take his place. A place Howard would certainly fill.
Finally, the wildcard considering their current roster, Toronto FC. Currently sitting with four designated players, one more than the league max, Toronto will need to see an increase in designated player spots as well as reducing their current total by one.
With Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco on designated player contracts, Toronto will likely need to rid themselves of their final designated player Gilberto. The only other alternative for Toronto FC will be signing Howard to a standard contract, with his total salary going against the salary cap.
Even though these three clubs currently lead the race for Howard, the new Collective Bargaining Agreement could change all that. Once a new deal is reached, the new rules could lead to more clubs entering the running.
Tim Howard will bring a lot to any club that signs him. The club will signing, quite possibly, the greatest American goalkeeper of all time. His time at Everton might be done, but with a return to MLS, Howard has the chance to continue growing his American legend and possibly become the greatest American soccer player.