With his disappointing loan spell up at Racing Santander and Glasgow Rangers still wallowing in the Scottish fourth division, U.S. international Carlos Bocanegra mutually terminated his contract.
According to the official release on the Rangers website, Bocanegra is expected to return to Major League Soccer.
It continues that Chivas USA would be the side most interested, but Toronto FC and the Portland Timbers would be the first in line in the allocation process.
It also says Bocanegra has been told if he had continued with Rangers and played in the lowest division of Scottish football, it would hinder his chances of returning to the U.S. national team fold.
Duh.
It’s already been discussed how a return to MLS would be beneficial to his chances of gaining back Jurgen Klinsmann’s trust, but it bears repeating. Klinsmann has always placed a high importance on club performance - it’s the reason Bocanegra was dropped last November in the first place.
(MORE: Should Carlos Bocanegra seek MLS return?)
Having spent four years with the Chicago Fire, a return there is certainly possible. With Arne Friedrich retiring last week with back problems, Bocanegra would have to compete with Bakary Soumare and Austin Berry for the two central defender spots. The club at the very least could use the depth.
But with Bocanegra seeking to milk as many more caps as he can from his international career, the 34-year-old will want to do better than depth.
