A report out of Ecuador says Antonio Valencia may be convinced to join one of three teams in Major League Soccer, the latest time the ex-Manchester United captain’s been linked with a move to North America.
Valencia, 35, has spent the last two seasons with LDU Quito in his native Ecuador, posting a goal and three assists in 32 appearances at right back with some work at defensive mid.
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The report says Inter Miami CF, D.C. United and the LA Galaxy, and Valencia could quiz former Manchester United players on all three teams. Ex-teammate Wayne Rooney played for DC United and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was with the Galaxy, while David Beckham owns Inter Miami.
Valencia was released by Manchester United in 2019 after a decade with the Premier League giants, having made his name at Wigan from 2006-09.
The right back remains active in the Ecuador national team set-up, where he’s two caps away from becoming the nation’s seventh centurion. He won the Ecuador Cup with Quito in 2019.
Could he be a factor in MLS? Sure, and he could also provide invaluable leadership along with Blaise Matuidi in Miami. The question is how much money should be offered a player of his caliber at his age, especially if he’s going to be a right back or right mid on our shores.