Transfer Rumors

Stay up with the latest rumors regarding Major League Soccer and American players throughout the winter

Jan 12, 2012 7:00:00 PM

By Mike Slane

More On :  George John, Michael Ballack, Nicolas Anelka, Brek Shea, Tim Ream, Clint Dempsey, David Beckham, Ronaldinho

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Already Moved: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea to Shanghai), Thierry Henry (New York to Arsenal), George John (FC Dallas to West Ham), David Beckham (Re-signed with LA Galaxy), Tim Ream (New York to Bolton)
Freddy Adu | Philadelphia Union


Age: 22

Position: Midfielder

Current Club: Philadelphia Union
 Freddy Adu expressed his desire to return to Europe to play in a top-five league in a recent interview and, according to sources in the Union, his wish might come true.

The sources told Goal.com's Alex Labidou there is a possibility that the Adu could join Rayo Vallecano on a short-term loan. The 22-year-old midfielder has been training with the La Liga side.

However, Adu's agent Richard Motzkin denies that Rayo has expressed an interest to loan his client, telling Goal.com, "Not accurate."

-UPDATED 1/12 6:57 p.m. ET

Possible Destinations: Rayo Vallecano, Philadelphia Union

Didier Drogba | Chelsea


Age: 33

Position: Striker

Current Club: Chelsea
 Drogba's contract at Stamford Bridge ends at the end of this season and the striker has been linked to a move to MLS for quite some time now.

But Drogba's price tag may be too high for the Galaxy, especially since Beckham returned on a two-year deal.

It has been reported that Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua has now shifted its focus to Drogba after signing Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka to a deal worth over an estimated $12 million per year.

There is also always the chance he could extend his stay at Chelsea, according to coach Andre Villas-Boas.

-UPDATED 12/13 11:01 a.m. ET

Possible Destinations: LA Galaxy, Shanghai Shenhua, Chelsea

Michael Ballack | Bayer Leverkusen


Age: 35

Position: Midfielder

Current Club: Bayer Leverkusen
 The Bayer Leverkusen's midfielder's contract ends in June and his agent, Michael Becker, has confirmed to Goal.com that the 35-year-old is open to the possibility of playing in MLS.

Ballack has already had inquiries from Asia and the Middle East. And teams from England have also showed interest, but his representative hinted Ballack would not likely return to Premier League.

Bayer Leverkusen chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauser has called for a tribute for the former Germany captain when he leaves the team.

-UPDATED 12/11 10:50 p.m. ET

Possible Destinations: NY Red Bulls, Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, Asia, Middle East

Clint Dempsey | Fulham


Age: 28

Position: Midfielder

Current Club: Fulham
 Dempsey told Goal.com that Arsenal was interested in signing him at the end of the summer window, but the club decided to go in a different direction.

With Fulham struggling this season, Dempsey could finally be on his way out. Sources have told Goal.com that he would like to play with a Champions League team.

In what would come as a major surprise, Dempsey could also consider a move back to MLS within the next two years.

-UPDATED 12/7 1:28 p.m. ET

Possible Destinations: Liverpool, Sunderland

Brek Shea | FC Dallas


Age: 21

Position: Midfielder

Current Club: FC Dallas
 Brek Shea spent time training with Arsenal over Major League Soccer's winter break, but that's about the closest he will get to playing on Arsene Wenger's side anytime soon. Wenger is very close to U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann and brought Shea in as a favor to his former player.

However, Shea will receive interest from several European squads as he has become America's hottest young star. The only thing holding him back is a four-year contract he signed with FC Dallas last May, and a high transfer fee the league would demand.

While Shea says he could see himself playing in Europe, his agent, Patrick McCabe, told Goal.com that the U.S. international will be back in Dallas next season.

-UPDATED 12/20 11:14 a.m. ET

Possible Destinations: FC Dallas, England, Germany, Holland

Ronaldinho | Flamengo


Age: 31

Position: Forward

Current Club: Flamengo
It appears as though Ronaldinho's time with Flamengo has come to an end, and the LA Galaxy would love to add him to their roster, especially if Beckham takes a walk.

PSG and some clubs in Greece have also been linked to the Brazilian player.

-UPDATED 12/5 2:27 p.m. ET

Possible Destinations: LA Galaxy, PSG, Greece

Rafa Marquez | NY Red Bulls


Age: 32

Position: Center back

Current Club: NY Red Bulls
 After a rough season with the New York Red Bulls that saw Rafa Marquez rip his teammates and get suspended for throwing a punch in the playoffs, the defender's time in MLS could be over.

While there is sure to be worldwide interest for the aging former star, one possible destination is Brazil. A Brazilian news outlet is reporting that Flamengo is currently negotiating a deal to bring Marquez to South America.

-UPDATED 12/14 1:00 p.m. ET

Possible Destinations: Flamengo, NY Red Bulls

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