MLS and LA Galaxy Unlikely to Be on Radar of Juventus Star Andrea Pirlo
How do you replace a legend? With an even greater legend. That at least seems to be the theory in the week's biggest Major League Soccer rumour.
Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reports that LA Galaxy are considering a transfer move for evergreen Italy international Andrea Pirlo to replace the retiring Landon Donovan.
The 35-year-old recently signed a new two-year deal at Juventus, but that has not stopped talk of the midfielder making the move across the Atlantic.
MLS has already added the likes of Kaka and Frank Lampard to its ranks, and Pirlo would seem to fit the same template as a high-profile player entering the twilight of his career in the United States.
However, Pirlo differs from those two examples as he remains an integral figure for the Old Lady in Serie A.
The experienced star also has the thought of adding to his 112 Italy caps to his name when he recovers from a thigh injury.
Pirlo is quoted in the Mail article as previous saying:
Why should I move? Serie A is the top league in Italy and life is good.
Two years with Juventus, then maybe I can go to the MLS in the United States.
Seemingly, the Galaxy and head coach Bruce Arena are preparing to test the resolve of the player and Juventus.
But they are likely to have a lengthy wait with Pirlo preparing for another season as the fulcrum for Juventus and Italy.
Believability Meter: Low
Pirlo still has far too much to offer in Italian football for a January move to the States to be completed.
He has a new contract at Juventus to fulfil, and he also performed a U-turn on international retirement after his former Juve coach Antonio Conte succeeded Cesare Prandelli as manager of the national team.
If the Galaxy are seeking a high-profile figure to replace Donovan, their attention should switch elsewhere.