In what would be the biggest January transfer shock in the United States, AS Roma’s Michael Bradley might be heading back to the MLS.
At 2:13 p.m., ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman tweeted that Bradley was on the verge of signing with Toronto FC. Thirty minutes later, Twellman’s report was confirmed by fellow ESPN analyst and former U.S. international, Alexis Lalas.
The 26-year-old midfielder left for Europe in 2006 after a successful 2005 season with the MetroStars–now called New York Red Bulls. After fruitful stints at SC Heerenveen, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Chievo, Bradley joined Italian giants, Roma, on July 16, 2012.
In his first season in Rome, Bradley started 24 games in Serie A. He scored one goal, created 25 chances, completed 89 percent of his passes and won 50 percent of his duels, as per squawka.
This season, Bradley has been a regular on Rudi Garcia’s gameday squad, but has only started five league games. The American has not being able to hold down a starting spot since Dutch international, Kevin Strootman, arrived from PSV.
With the arrival of Belgian hard-man, Radja Nainggolan, on loan from Cagliari, it is apparent that Bradley’s first team action will be limited. And with the world cup a few months away, Jurgen Klinsmann’s midfield anchor needs to play regularly.
It looks like Toronto FC–who’s close to signing Jermain Defoe and signed Gilberto last month‒have offered Bradley a way out.
Update: ESPN’s Doug McIntyre tweeted at 5:12 p.m. that the deal was completed.
Update: Bradley's agent told an Italian radio that the deal is done.
At 2:13 p.m., ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman tweeted that Bradley was on the verge of signing with Toronto FC. Thirty minutes later, Twellman’s report was confirmed by fellow ESPN analyst and former U.S. international, Alexis Lalas.
The 26-year-old midfielder left for Europe in 2006 after a successful 2005 season with the MetroStars–now called New York Red Bulls. After fruitful stints at SC Heerenveen, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Chievo, Bradley joined Italian giants, Roma, on July 16, 2012.
In his first season in Rome, Bradley started 24 games in Serie A. He scored one goal, created 25 chances, completed 89 percent of his passes and won 50 percent of his duels, as per squawka.
This season, Bradley has been a regular on Rudi Garcia’s gameday squad, but has only started five league games. The American has not being able to hold down a starting spot since Dutch international, Kevin Strootman, arrived from PSV.
With the arrival of Belgian hard-man, Radja Nainggolan, on loan from Cagliari, it is apparent that Bradley’s first team action will be limited. And with the world cup a few months away, Jurgen Klinsmann’s midfield anchor needs to play regularly.
It looks like Toronto FC–who’s close to signing Jermain Defoe and signed Gilberto last month‒have offered Bradley a way out.
Update: ESPN’s Doug McIntyre tweeted at 5:12 p.m. that the deal was completed.
Update: Bradley's agent told an Italian radio that the deal is done.