With his retirement, David Beckham transfer rumors are no more, but when one easy source of comment thread discussion and web site hits slips through editors’ fingers, expect another to immerge. David Beckham’s not going away.
Let me give you an example. Here’s a report today from the BBC, a very credible source. The headline, “David Beckham in talks with MLS to purchase franchise,” isn’t anything new. We heard about this throughout last year’s MLS Cup, when Beckham’s impending departure from Major League Soccer spurred conversation about an expansion team (or even buying into the then-for sale Galaxy owners, AEG). As the league office explained at the time, when Beckham elected to exercise his option on a team, the league would engage him on his future team. The only restriction the league would confirm: The option did not apply to the second New York franchise.
But again, all of that is old news. Unfortunately, there isn’t any new ground covered in today’s report. It reuses some past comments, talks about the expansion option, and says the fee should be a discounted $25 million. It does not, however, say that talks are either ongoing or approaching an agreement. And although publishing the story shortly after Beckham’s retirement implies there’s a link between the end of his playing days and Beckham’s impending ownership, the story doesn’t support that assumption.
From the piece, MLS Executive Vice President of Communications Dan Courtemache is quoted: “There have been preliminary discussions with his advisors.” That might be enough to get Beckham’s name in a headline, but it’s not enough to move this story forward.
Expect more of this in the future. Beckham news is still in too much demand to let his name fade away. Where MLS ownership details are set to become the new Beckham transfer rumor, expect news of the icon to stay on your radar. Whether you like it or not.
