Juan Sebastian Veron Linked with move to DC United

By: Bob | September 18th, 2007

When it comes to the MLS designated player movements the pattern is generally the same. A rumor is planted in a foreign newspaper that one of the league’s teams is interested in a well known player. The speculation reaches the United States where the rumors continue but seemingly nothing happens for months until the rumors resurface and a player eventually signs. That seems to be the pattern developing in the case of Juan Sebastian Veron.

The Argentine midfielder has been linked to DC United since earlier this summer when his representatives reportedly met with the club’s officials. Today we learn from Ives that DC United are in deep talks to sign Veron as a designated player for the 2008 season.

Fitting the pattern of the league’s other designated players – Beckham, Juan Pablo Angel, Claudio Reyna, et al – Veron is obviously a player whose best days are behind him. At the age of 33 he is no longer the talent he was when he played for Lazio. After a disappointing run in the English Premier League and on loan to Inter Milan, he has been playing for Estudiantes in his native country.

As is almost always the case with designated players, I have mixed feelings about him joining MLS. On the one hand I have no doubt that he could step right in and be one of the better midfielders in the league. On the other hand I wonder if the salary he would command couldn’t be used to give a raise to the guys who have DC United in first place this season.

His appearance in the league for a couple of seasons might elevate the level of play a bit and he might sell a few tickets, but is he really the type of player the league wants or needs?

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Category: MLS, South America, World Football

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John

I get that there is a strong Argentinian flavor to DC and I get that Veron is a good player.

Surely though, DC can do better with that money? DC have always been about the team above the individuals. There must be some young undiscovered unknown out there DC can discover.
jon

I don't think the question is "do they need him". I think DC want what LA has/had, an international presence. Being the class of the MLS is great and all, especially to those in the US, but it doesn't mean anything outside of the US, and I guess Toronto. I'm sure Payne and the ownership group wouldn't mind trying to build the brand in South America, and if a team could bring in a player like Veron, AND still be winners, then the plan could work.
Karl

If it's not broke, don't fix it.

DC United has been doing superbly without a DP, using the faster-younger-cheaper model of utilizing foreign talent. They one the supporter's shield last season and are on their way to winning another this year. If DC can buy another pair of Emilio/Fred for the price of a Veron, it would be a much better deal. I think a DP for DC would really have to be someone special to make it worth while. This deal has too many question marks.
Sean

I can't see Kevin Payne gutting DC to bring Veron, which means if they're pursuing him, they've figured out how to afford him. And, given that, I'd love to see him in the Black and Red.

In their possession game, his vision, anticipation and butter-smooth passing would fit right in. Look for Emilio to rack up another 20-goal season if Veron's in the fold, imo.

It's so hard to predict what the effect would be on the roster, given that we have no idea what the ground rules will be for '08. One DP or two per team? How much of a bump in the salary cap? Any changes in roster makeup (i.e., Senior & Youth International numbers)? It's just too hard to really suss out at this point.

Which means I defer to KP, as he's shown himself pretty handy at this roster-building business.
Nick

I saw him twice while at United -- brilliant in the US tour match versus Celtic, and absolutely shocking against 'boro at Old Trafford... Which Veron would show up?
Granjero

I don't think this is going to happen.