Jeff Cunningham pursues Europe option
- by Ridge Mahoney @ridgemax, Jan 2, 2011
[MLS] An impasse in negotiations with Columbus has prompted striker Jeff Cunningham, the No. 2 all-time goalscorer in MLS history, to test
options overseas.
Agent Jan Schiefloe is finalizing arrangements that will send Cunningham to Danish club Randers and an unspecified Norwegian club next week. He will
train with the teams in hope of getting an offer to continue his career overseas. Cunningham -- with 132 goals second only to Jaime Moreno -- entered the Re-Entry Draft in December
after netting 11 goals last season for FC Dallas, which declined to pick up his option.
“I am quite surprised that more MLS teams haven't pursued Jeff,” said Schiefloe in an
e-mail. “In the last two years, he's scored 28 goals, which is second in MLS after Conor Casey (29). I see many MLS teams looking near and far for a proven goalscorer, and time
and time again pay big money for players who don't produce, while Jeff, who is proven over 13 seasons in MLS, can be signed now at a relative bargain.”
Cunningham, 34, passed through
Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Draft unclaimed; apparently no team wanted him at the 2011 salary stipulated in his contract (his base salary in 2010 was $220,000 and players normally receive a five percent
increase for each option year). The Crew picked him in Stage 2.
In Stage 2, unless a player has agreed with the league on a salary, teams that claim players must negotiate a new deal. Last
week, the Crew and Cunningham were said to be far apart in their discussions.
“We made an offer that was rejected and he made a counterproposal that was a bit far-fetched,”
Crew technical director Brian Bliss said to the Columbus Dispatch a few days before Christmas. “That was the last conversation we had.”
Like a few of the 11
players selected in Stage 2, Cunningham is being asked to take a hefty cut from his 2010 salary.
If Cunningham and the Crew cannot come to terms, Columbus will retain a right of first
refusal for his rights within MLS. He scored 62 goals in 208 games during his first seven MLS seasons (1998-2004) for the Crew, and has also played for Colorado, Real Salt Lake, and Toronto FC as well
as FC Dallas.
He scored 33 goals in 66 games after joining Dallas in early August of 2008. He hit his high-water seasonal mark of 17 goals in 2009 to lead the league, a feat he also
accomplished in 2006 with 16 for RSL.
Good luck Jeff, I hope you make it in Europe, I really do. But a 34 yo American just moving over there? Doubt anything good is happening with that. Your 'upside' is already known. Surprising how "crappy" MLS can be to it' vets, but it IS a business.
How is MLS being crappy to him? He had a chance to be picked by all teams for $220k. They deemed (correctly) that he isn't worth it. I'd pay him $150k if I was an MLS team with a need for an older goalscorer with no upside. Perhaps he can find more $ in Europe... I'd be surprised.
Good Luck Jeff.I remember when you would stop by my soccer store in Tampa and chat about soccer. I was very lucky to watch you play for USF in Tampa,Florida. You have always been a class act. I wish you much success.
Jeff Cunningham is the best of the best. I remember training with him at 6am at USF, just so he could get a third work out in everyday: because he had decided to go pro. He deserves the top salary from the MLS, who he has helped develop the brand since almost the beginning. He should also fetch a pretty penny in Europe. Big up Jeffrey, much respect!!