MLS has come a long way since David Beckham was paraded in front of the assembled press in Los Angeles after signing for the Galaxy in 2007. Some things, though, remain the same.
Soccer in America has found an audience and a standing within the global game that no longer makes it a retirement home for those looking to wind down their careers in supposed comfort.
Beckham continues to help that process along, with his involvement as a co-owner at Inter Miami bringing added ‘Becks’ appeal to the game Stateside. The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend continues to put his money where his mouth is and aid the promotion of an ever-expanding brand.
He has not quite got things right on the field in Fort Lauderdale, with his Florida-based franchise missing out on a 2021 play-off spot. For those that bet on football at Space Casino, where the New England Revolution are now 29/10 market leaders to savor domestic glory, Inter Miami have been a side to avoid.
The road to #MLSCup is SET! pic.twitter.com/oXMSXMmfel
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 8, 2021
Beckham, though, has never been a man to settle for second best – or 11th best in this instance when it comes to Eastern Conference standings. He can be expected to shuffle the pack and demand considerable improvement in the next campaign.
Fresh faces will inevitably be drafted in to aid that cause, with some familiar faces said to be registering on a recruitment radar in Miami. It is there where MLS continues to trudge down a familiar path.
Will Alexis Sanchez move to America?
The most prominent figure said to be figuring on Beckham’s shopping list is Alexis Sanchez. The Chile international is a household name on both sides of the Atlantic and has previously spent time with Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United.
His career has, however, come off the rails somewhat and, after flopping badly at Old Trafford, he is currently struggling to prove his worth at Italian giants Inter. With game time in short supply, transfer talk is inevitable.
So, it would seem, are links to MLS. American soccer has worked hard to move itself away from supposed has-beens, but Alexis appears to fall between the cracks. He still boasts the profile and ability that makes him of obvious appeal to teams across the globe. With him, it is a case of eking that talent out.
As things stand he is staring into the abyss, a sporting oblivion that threatens to cut short a career that hit the very top before suffering a humbling fall from grace.
Beckham and Miami may be the olive branch that Alexis so desperately needs. Who wouldn’t feel better with a bit of sun on their back and a modern day great calling shots from the boardroom? A beachside apartment is said to have been purchased a few years back, so pieces of the puzzle are falling into place.
Inter Miami have seen their fingers burnt somewhat by experienced Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain, but that should not scare them off another South American gamble as Alexis could end up being a match made in heaven.
