Got an interesting scoop on the Benny Feilhaber-to-MLS saga this afternoon. But before we get into it, I want to excuse myself if it seems like I can't get away from this story. It's only because I genuinely like Benny as a person and a player. I think he has a lot of natural gifts, untapped potential and the soccer smarts to really make a name for himself if he got the chance.
That said, I just got off the phone with a league source who says that Feilhaber (or maybe more specifically, his German agent, Henner Janzen) is demanding designated-player like money from MLS to make his return to the U.S. after what can only be considered a failed attempt in Europe.
We all remember Feilhaber's awesome game-winning goal against Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final last summer, which came amid several solid appearances for the U.S. national team during 2007. But if Benny thinks an MLS team will be willing to pony up in excess of $1 million for his services, he's nuts.
That Mexico goal was spectacular, and Feilhaber has shown flashes of his potential. But let's be honest: He failed to stick in Germany with Hamburg, now he's struggling to get into the first team at Derby County -- the last-place club in the English Premiership. Those aren't exactly qualifications that merit money similar to what guys like Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Ángel are earning.
I'll repeat: I'd love to see Feilhaber in MLS. The Orange County, Calif., native has never played club soccer in the U.S. as a pro, and finding him a team where he can play every game is a far better way to get him ready for the big-time (he's still only 23 and eligible to be on the U.S. Olympic team in Beijing this summer).
But if it's true that he wants seven figures, no team should bite (Houston, Chivas USA and San Jose all have been linked to him at some point over the past few weeks). Remember, a player that makes DP money counts as $400,000 against a team's salary cap, which is a shade more than $2 million. If you're a GM, is Feilhaber worth 20 percent of your entire budget?
Then again, this all might be a negotiating tactic. Just a month ago, Janzen was telling Yanks Abroad that Feilhaber wasn't at all interested in coming home to MLS, and clearly he's backed off that stance as interest in Europe undoubtedly waned. Hopefully someone will reach a compromise somewhere along the line.
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Comments (12)
benny is hurting his own case with these outrageous demands. and derby, by the way, is statistically the worst team EVER to play in the epl. it's a pretty lousy fact to have on ones resume...especially a guy who has seen all of three games or whatever.
i agree- he's a great talent and a guy us soccer really needs. it saddens me to think about his skills rotting away in dreary old england.
jon siker | 02/21/08, 04:49 AM
Report Offensive CommentIt's like backwards fundamental attribution error. We have been blaming no playing time on bad situations that Benny has been in for a while now. Maybe we will start to consider the possibility that Benny and his handlers are playing a more significant role in bringing about these unfavorable outcomes.
PrimateWrangler | 02/21/08, 09:37 AM
Report Offensive Commentpretty funny. Benny should come for a good amount and prove his worth instead of trying to rob the bank without a gun.
David James Brown | 02/21/08, 10:44 AM
Report Offensive CommentHe'll probably will get his money from some European team. I doubt the MLS will ever pay that salary.
J. HOVA: ES MUY BIEN | 02/21/08, 04:23 PM
Report Offensive CommentBad move by Feilhaber. Seven figures? Not sure, but doesn't Donovan only make like $900,000 or something? So his logic, one cool goal against Mexico makes you more valuable than Landon? No. He must be angling for a big European payday. No way he gets that with MLS.
Thugmeister | 02/21/08, 04:56 PM
Report Offensive CommentI hope this is justa rumor too. I would really like to see Feilhaber in MLS, but not for that kind of money, it doesn't make sense. I'm curious why Derby wouldn't loan him out. If you have a player that you're not playing why keep them around ot languish with the reserve team. Maybe they want him for their eventual return to the lowerlevel, but they can loan him for teh rest of this year.
mattman_r | 02/21/08, 06:08 PM
Report Offensive CommentBenny should come to MLS. Whatever happened to the Israel rumors?
Big Chaco | 02/21/08, 06:19 PM
Report Offensive Commenta million+?!?!? That's comical. The guy had trouble cracking HSV's BL2 side and rarely dresses for Derby, who would be a horrible team in the Colaship thie year.
He has some talent but paying that kind of money in MLS for a defensive minded CM is madness. If someone bites for $200-250K he should be all over that and try to regroup here for another push to Europe in a couple years.
sithomeandrot | 02/21/08, 07:02 PM
Report Offensive CommentBenny come to MLS! You are probably worth about $150,000-200,000, so take that from either LA or Chicago and come back home.
crosscountrycpjon | 02/21/08, 07:13 PM
Report Offensive CommentHe's not worth DP cash, but maybe a lil bit less... couldn't agree more... I'm a big fan of Benny, too. I was at the US vs Mexico game when he scored the game winner. It'd be cool to see him in the MLS.
Stauff Nation TB | 02/21/08, 10:15 PM
Report Offensive CommentI read on Soccer Insider that the major impediment to the deal is that MLS wants Benny to sign a long-term deal with the league, however, Derby is only willing to send him on a short-term loan to the league.
And to everyone condemning his salary demands, put yourself in the position where you are making as much as he is at Derby just to sit the bench and then MLS wants you to come over and play for a 1/4 to 1/3 of that, would you really want to leave that much money just sitting on the table???????????? Any rational human being wouldn't...
KopHawk83 | 02/22/08, 04:20 PM
Report Offensive CommentWell, he has to ask himself what he wants more. To play or to get paid. After already collecting a decent amount in salary (plus $100,000/yr isn't anything to cry about) I think he is probably going to choose play.
I also think it is a chance for him to revitalize his career, so he can make a move later where he will get to play and get paid the big bucks.
crosscountrycpjon | 02/22/08, 11:10 PM
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