I thought MLS had moved past this. Signing over the hill European players for big money contracts? Wasn’t the way forward the signing of younger, up-and-coming stars like Giovani dos Santos and Sebastian Giovinco ?
Well it seems that the Chicago FIre did not get the memo, as the have just signed Manchester United reserve Bastian Schweinsteiger to a one-year designated player contract that guarantees him $4.5 million in 2017 and includes a mutual option for at least one more year.
That salary makes the World Cup winner one of the 10 highest-paid players in MLS this season.
‘We’re adding someone who has won at every level, including the very highest levels, and has done so in a way that is consistent with our values,’ Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez told the Tribune.
‘We as a club will now be forced to hold ourselves to a higher standard, and accountability level. Previously, I think we could satisfy ourselves with what is known domestically. Now we need to rise to a standard that is set more internationally.’
‘Throughout my career, I’ve always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great,’ Schweinsteiger said in a statement to the Chicago Tribune via the club.
‘My move to Chicago Fire is no different. Through my conversations with Nelson and Pauno (coach Veljko Paunovic) I’m convinced by the club’s vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project.’
What do you think of the Chicago Fire signing Schweinsteiger?