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I hope it works out. Pablo is probably the most under-rated and under-appreciated midfielder on the USMNT. Maybe we'll see something where he is truly the lone holding midfielder which could open up Michael Bradley or Sasha Kljestan to attack more and not get stuck in a holding role as well.

With the exception of the red card against Italy...he's had a solid national team career.

Wish him the best. Hope he gets the chance to play.

After watching the Barca/Betis game the other day, Betis definately needs help in the holding midfield.

"See what comes in at the end of November"?? This dude needs to smarten up. He is not good. He is not young. Malaga or Betis would be signing him just to advertise that they have an American on the squad...kinda like a circus advertising a bearded lady. He needs to jump on the offers now and stop worrying about keeping the doors open. This is a pretty arrogant statement for a guy who has not proven that he's able to play in Italy or Spain.

Agreed, Gaucho. Pablo, what're you waiting for?! You go now!!

He can't go now. The transfer window is closed and the MLS season doesn't end until November. If Pablo is going anywhere, it's not going to happen until the winter transfer window opens up.

And Zizou, you're right about his career with the USMNT...but I still don't believe that the red card against Italy was warranted.

he cannot sign now you dummies..Transfer window is closed for MLS and that is at end of the season. So HE HAS TO WAIT!!!!!!!

Hawk - I hear what you are saying BUT it was two-footed and studs were shown. Obviously, the ref interpreted it as a straight red. The 2nd yellow for Eddie Pope was just horrible. BUT - still the best game I've ever been to...craziness.

Surprising that European teams are looking at him...not that he's past his "sell buy date" however, he is older in soccer terms.

He is not international caliber. He will be lucky to see the bench in Spain. I disagree with zizou, as a usmnt player he was a yellow card waiting to happen on defense and a traffic cone on offense.

10 - fair enough. However...I'd argue that Javier Mascherano is a yellow card waiting to happen. But he's still "international caliber." Michael Bradley is a yellow card waiting to happen and he can hold his own. Gooch is a bad call away from giving the other team a penalty kick because he is tall & big. "Traffic cone on offense" - he's not on the field to score goals...he's a holding midfielder - he stops the opponents attack...AND I'd argue because of his experience - he probably makes less mistakes getting the ball up the field, while Bradley still has a ways to go with limiting bad passes, etc.

What is obvious about this move is clearly that it's a money grab. Playing time is not even the most important consideration. He wants to go and cash-in, and he should. He's not a 19-yr-old prospect who's looking to develop and build a career for himself. He has an Italian passport, so he wouldn't be counted as a foreign player.

He is not going to be a realistic factor in So Africa. He's had his MNT career, which includes his share of checkered performances. But no one should forget his solid and workmanlike performance during the '02 WC in Korea. His defensive support in midfield helped propel the US in their surprise showing to the quarters.

I wonder if he'll make that much more money. I'm not sure what his MLS salary is, but I can't see him making big bucks over there. I have the feeling he wants to do this for the experience and to be able to say he did.

i think he better settle for eastern europe or the himalayas...

kopper,

I had read somewhere that he's making @ 400k in Colorado. He can easily double , if not triple that amount, and do so in euros ( a currency not in free-fall ).

I didnt exactly see this as a possibility for Pablo, but if the rumor is true i think its great! There is never a wrong time to try and get better, and improve your game. The U.S. has shown in the past a willingness to call up older players, like eddie lewis right now, and if he can keep himself fit why not take a chance on improving. Encountering new tactics and ideas might give him a new lease on life and really be a boost for the USMNT. Since he clearly gets called up often, no fan of our country should mock this move, it cant hurt our system only help it. Hes an older veteran competing with very young talent like maurice edu, ricardo clark, and michael bradley for spots in that holding place. The best countries in the world have depth, and to see someone on the US not trying to just settle into a comfortable spot in encouraging. It might be a few years past him but i say good luck.

Anyone trying to talk this plug up needs to put the pipe down and get some fresh air.

Does he honestly think he brings that much to table? I guess the Spanish and Italian want ads have dozens of the following: "Wanted: 32 yr old defender with 10 years experience on weak MLS squad and bad knees. Must be well under 6' tall and willing to pull red cards for agressive tackles. No European work experience a plus."

It doesn't matter that the window is closed, he and his agent should snap up the first agreement they can get.

I understand he needs to posture to get a good price, but Pablito please, let's be a little bit realistic.

He'll play. He's tough. Still quick enough. Not the most skilled player, but he makes up for with sheer gutsy play.

Gaucho68, that's my reason for wondering just how much more money he could make. Billy Gun Boats, maybe you're right. But I just question how many clubs are going to pay good money for someone in his position. And I say that as someone who really like what Pablo has been for both MLS and USMNT.

Careful of Betis - their owner is very much like Donald Sterling, who owns the LA Clippers.

He doesn't respect the sport.
He doesn't respect the team.
He doesn't respect the players.

He only respects his bank account.

He was never even a has been