Spanish media is buzzing this morning with news that Atletico Madrid striker David Villa may leave the Liga champions for fledgling MLS side, New York City F.C.
The news broke on Spain’s “El Partido De Las 12,” who say Villa will play “the next three years” in New York, reuniting the Spanish striker with with former Barcelona brass Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain.
Villa, who will surely play a role in this year’s World Cup with Spain, has played behind both Diego Costa and Raul Garcia this past season with Atletico. At 32-years-old, and staring down his final World Cup, El Guaje is said to be enticed by a move to the United States where NYCFC will offer a comparable salary to his current $4.1 million deal.
To add to the intrigue, ESPN Deportes Radio have also cited sources claiming Villa is currently negotiating with Atletico for an early release of his contract. El Guaje is set to stay with the red and white through July of 2015.
Besides the impact an NYCFC move would have on MLS and Atletico, Barcelona would also be impacted by the deal. Atletico and the Blaugrana agreed on a transfer deal that would allow Madrid to pay Barcelona installments of a nearly $7 million agreement. If his contract is rescinded, Barcelona may only walk away with $2.9 million.
COPE also reports NYCFC are still in hot pursuit of Barcelona midfielder, Xavi Hernandez.
Archived content originally from EmpireOfSoccer.com by Dave Martinez
