Veteran Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has reportedly accepted an offer to join MLS side New York City FC.
Rumors were rife this week that Pirlo would complete the move if Juventus were to win Saturday’s Champions League final against Barcelona, in which he is due to start.
Spanish newspaper AS have commented to the contrary however, explaining that a deal has already been agreed in principle between club executive Ferran Soriano and Pirlo.
He will follow Frank Lampard to the centre of midfield, striking up a very experienced partnership, with over 1,300 professional appearances between them.
If he were to join, both Pirlo and Lampard would make their first appearances together, hoping to turn around a dismal campaign for New York, who currently find themselves dead last in the Western Conference of the MLS with only 1 win and 8 points from their first 13 league games.
It was also reported New York had also made a move for Barcelona midfielder Xavi, but he has agreed a deal with Al Saad of Qatar.
Former Barcelona and Athletico Madrid striker David Villa currently top their stats tables with 3 goals and 3 assists, more than any other player on their roster.
Pirlo is out of contract at the end of the season so no transfer fee will be required from New York.
Writer’s view: I don’t think any team, in their right mind, would turn down the opportunity to sign Andrea Pirlo on a free. He will bring yet more publicity to the MLS.
This league continues to grow and grow in stature and is returning to its glory years in the 70’s where we saw international superstars such as Pele, Bobby Moore and George Best make the move to the US.