D.C. United's potential partnership with Boca Juniors

papa5murf · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 5:47 pm

D.C. United's President Kevin Payne and GM Dave Kasper were in Argentina this weekend for the Superclasico (between Boca Juniors and River Plate). People that are familiar with the MLS will know that D.C. United have many contacts in Argentina as they have scouted the region extensively to bring in talent to help the squad in MLS and for the most part have been very successful in doing so.

Now there are rumors that D.C. United are working with Boca Juniors in maybe forming a formal relationship/partnership between the two clubs.

What makes this potential relationship with Boca Juniors intriguing is the name of Martin Palermo. Who could possibly be signed with United this summer and possibly replace Luciano Emilio and/or partner him in the attacking force at D.C. United.

On further rumors as to why the two head guys of D.C. United are in Argentina are that possible talks with Juan Sebastian Veron (currently of Estudiantes) are back on after a failed attempt to sign the player over the past off-season.

oranjepalooza · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 6:03 pm

D.C. picked a nice club to hook-up with, no doubt and Palermo would be a great addition....

It was my impression that Veron walked away from D.C. and my question is what was his reasoning or the problem. I know I've read somethings in the MLS magazine that gives one the impression that he is not 'favorable' right now because of this. Trying to sort it all out..........

papa5murf · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 6:13 pm

From my understanding Veron had a contract laid out and he had agreed to the terms and all that was needed was his signature. A couple of days later, he came out and stated that he talked to his teammates at Estudiantes, and they convinced/wished him to stay at least another year. And that's when he walked away from D.C. United. He has however been linked with D.C. United every year for the past couple years as he's been D.C. United's number one target. Once he walked away, D.C. United went out and immediately signed Marcelo Gallardo.

D.C. still has one designator player spot. (maybe two, I'm not quite sure how many we've traded for, but we are only using one at the moment.)

Money should also not be much of an issue as Ben Olsen is still having issues with his ankle, and the outlook is bad (as in career is over). Which saddens me. But that will free up cap room to continue to strengthen the squad and sign another designated player. The word earlier this year was that Luciano Emilio would take the second designated player slot, but it wasn't needed as his new contract was signed without any issues. But now the talk is that he might transfer in the summer to Central America which is where Palermo and Boca Junior comes into the picture.

papa5murf · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 6:22 pm

Oh yeah, forgot to add the possibility of Juan Roman Riquelme being in the talks. He plays for Boca Juniors so it's not out of the question. He's also been linked with D.C. United in the past and most recently been linked with a move to the MLS in general. Houston and New England have been put up front as the most likely current destination for Riquelme; but if it was up to him, I feel that he would prefer D.C. United as he would probably fit in easier with D.C. and the numerous Latin players on the squad.

oranjepalooza · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 6:45 pm

Riquelme would be a huge signing for anyone, but I would be a bit surprised to see him come to the states at this time. Veron yes, Riquelme no. Hey, I have been wrong many times before, but thats my opinion......

papa5murf · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 6:59 pm

I don't see Riquelme coming over for at least another 2 years. But with D.C. United's reputation and connections in Argentina, it wouldn't surprise me if they are already negotiating with Boca Junior for a future move of Riquelme to D.C. D.C. have been doing business in Argentina for quite some time now.

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D.C. United's potential partnership with Boca Juniors

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