Robbie Keane has become the latest high-profile name to cross the pond to ply his trade in Major League Soccer (MLS). The Republic of Ireland international striker joined David Beckham at LA Galaxy for a reported £3.5m from Tottenham Hotspur on a 2 year deal.
Robbie Keane joins David Beckham
By signing for LA Galaxy Keane becomes one of their three designated players; these are the players who are allowed to be paid significantly higher wages than the rest of the squad. To facilitate the move LA Galaxy needed to release one of their existing designated players, with the Colombian Juan Pablo Angel believed to be the one to make way.
Keane will therefore team up with David Beckham and Landon Donovan, both of whom have previously played in the English Premier League. In fact the Irishman stated that whilst training with Tottenham in January David Beckham spoke very highly of LA Galaxy, and that this influenced his decision. Keane had also been linked with English Championship side Leicester City.
Keane has played for Spurs, Liverpool, and Inter Milan
At 31 years of age Keane has had a somewhat nomadic career which began at Wolverhampton Wanderers, followed by a £6m move to Coventry City. Keane then spent 18 months with Inter Milan, followed by stints at Leeds, Tottenham, on two occasions, and Liverpool. It was during his first spell at Spurs that Keane really made his mark.
He scored over 100 goals during his two spells at Spurs and has also represented the Republic of Ireland more 100 times, for whom he is the leading all-time goal scorer with 51 goals. However since his return to Spurs after an ill-fated spell at Liverpool, Keane has struggled to gain a first team place, resulting in loan spells at West Ham United and Celtic.
Will Keane spearhead LA Galaxy to glory?
The move to the MLS represents a risk to Keane's career, as the standard of football is perceived as being inferior to that of the English Premier League. Also, aged 31 this may be Keane's last big money transfer. However, despite not playing regularly last season, Keane was still a key member for his country and this is likely to continue, although the increased travel may cause problems.
LA Galaxy will expect a return on their investment with Keane seen as the man to score the goals which will propel the team to MLS success. Keane has scored goals wherever he has played, and though not necessarily a poacher, he is a very intelligent striker. He may well have a similar impact to that of other such European stars as Beckham, and Thierry Henry at the New York Red Bulls.
Andrew Bunting - Andy is a fully qualified Financial Adviser in the UK and also has extensive knowledge on the world of Sport.
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