Juan Sebastian Veron to DC United?

In an article yesterday in the respected newspaper of Buenos Aires, El Clarin, it was reported that DC United is to make an offer for the services of Juan Sebastian Veron. Presently, he is a free agent who recently represented Argentina in the Copa America. He has made 60 international appearances for Argentina, and featured in two World Cups: 1998 and 2002.

According to the article, the President of DC United will arrive in Buenos Aires on Monday to make an offer. "Estimated at more than $20 million dollars." (1) DC United has a tradition of purchasing players from South America; specifically, Bolivia, Brasil, and Argentina. Presently, they have four South American players: two from Brasil (Fred and Luciano Emilio), one from Bolivia (Jaime Moreno), and Christian Gomez, the Most Valuable Player in the MLS during 2006, from Argentina.

Veron has a significant pedigree. He began his career with Estudiatantes de La Plata, which was the former club of his father, Juan. Although on loan as a Chelsea FC player, he helped Estudiantes to capture the Argentina "apertura" championship in 2006. Before Estudiantes, Veron was on loan at Inter Milan for two years. Before that, he was with Chelsea, Manchester United (where he won the EPL title), SS Lazio (where he won the Italian scudetto), Parma, and the Boca Juniors.

If this occurs, it would be a significant deal for the MLS. Veron, 32, is not the youngest player on the transfer market; however, he would be another signing that would raise the profile of the league. He was a former teammate of David Beckham at Manchester United. He has dual Argentine and Italian citizenship.

Note

According to Clarin, Kevin Payne of DC United offered Juan Veron a contract of $10 million, along with another $10 million for image rights. Payne made the offer in person yesterday (Monday). Veron said no at this time, but perhaps he would re-evaluate the deal in December. He welcomed the chance to play against Beckham again, and seemed very receptive to Mr. Payne and DC United. (2)

References

(1) Ahora vienen per Veron, El Clarin, 20 July 2007.
(2) La Bruja la tiro para adelante, El Clarin. 24 July 2007.