Comments on: Abandon it like Beckham

By: Steve Amoia

Steve Amoia — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:08:42 +0000

It appears that Dan’s last comment has come into fruition.

Today, it was announced that Beckham will return to England. He will not play in any competitive fixtures, but will train with Arsenal.

By: Dan Leo

Dan Leo — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:03:43 +0000

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=475013&cc=5901

Now, there are rumors that Becks will return to England but only to “train” with a team near his home/estate.

Hypothetically, this could turn into a short-term loan.

LA would expect him back for the pre-season camp and whatever friendlies Lalas (if he’s still in charge) and AEG will manage to scrounge up.

By: Jason Pereira

Jason Pereira — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:41:52 +0000

He never should have gone to the MLS, but meh.

By: Dan Leo

Dan Leo — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 03:37:20 +0000

Beckham is an alleged $250M value (over 5 years)to himself.

It’s harder to pin his value to the Galaxy. According to AEG, he is bringing the company more than he costs ($6.5M/Y .. eh, not counting the doctor’s bills) but other teams (especially those with big stadium – the Revolution and the Red Bulls) may in fact benefit more since they are not on the hook for Dave’s salary.

Ultimately, this will come down to what Beckham and his family wants to do.

If England qualifies for the Euros, McLaren will require Becks to attend the pre-tournament camp. Plus, England will probably get through to the knock-out rounds (a one- legged Michael Owen can still put a bulge in the old onion bag, to use a cliche) and that will take six or so weeks out of Dave’s MLS season.

And then there are FIFA windows …

But, at least, this will give Lalas a litany of brand new excuses.

Thanks for all the comments.

I’d put the odds are of him either staying in the US or going to England solely for light work-outs at 90%.

Still, you never know.

By: Brian W

Brian W — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 00:28:53 +0000

Beckham’s main problem right now is that he didn’t have any rest between La Liga and MLS. He had to turn it back in gear for training right after La Liga.

Your suggestion that the Galaxy send him back out now to play for 5 months ahead of the full MLS season, which is the only thing that matters to the Galaxy, is frankly absurd.

I do respect the angle though, and it makes some sense, but it will never happen because both Becks and the Galaxy will kabosh it.

By: John Conroy

John Conroy — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 21:41:07 +0000

I like this: nicely broken up + easy to read. I totally disagree with central premise tho: Galaxy wud be mad to let a Â£250m asset fool around in premiership during their off-season imo

By: Brad Barnett

Brad Barnett — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:34:05 +0000

Last I heard, Beckham and his manager both said that he is in LA to stay. He was not interested in going back to England in the off-season. If this is not the case anymore, and he changed his mind I think it would be great for him and the fans. But I doubt LA would allow another non-MLS injury to their greatest marketing tool.

By: KyleAusGooner

KyleAusGooner — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:17:22 +0000

Hmmm… Will not be Man City, Fulham or Villa… Unless Spuds and Newcastle will pay big bucks then I cannot see him going to either…
I have heard he also is training o Arsenal and that is a fact.. some ypunger england players (the or 3 we have at th Emirates!) said “It will be great to train with David Beckham, he is such a great footballer and has a lot of experience to share with us all here”, But There have been some serious whispers of him coming to play for us… We could land him but I hope it does not come out of that apperent 70 Mil Arsene has for new players…..

It would be OKAY for him to play with us, but I have no fear that Arsene Wenger wll place him on our Starting XI instead of a better Arsenal player, he will give one of our 100% commited if yo will, the game..

But it might be an okay marketing ploy with repica kits and all… And for UK fans to see Becks in an english team kit again.