By Greg Smith

One of the most valuable moves in Major League Soccer during the recent transfer window was one that never occurred.  The non-transfer involved Kenny Cooper of Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas who decided to stay put despite lucrative offers from England’s Cardiff City and Norway’s Rosenborg.

Cooper, who plays striker for his Dallas, Texas club, is currently one goal short of the league lead behind Landon Donovan of the Los Angeles Galaxy and is recognized as one of the top stars in the steadily growing MLS.  He was recently chosen to and participated in the 2008 MLS all-star game; a game most predicted would be his last in an MLS jersey. 

Surprisingly though, Cooper donned the red and white hoops the following weekend at Pizza Hut Park and featured in FC Dallas’ 4-0 dismantling of the Los Angeles Galaxy where he proved to be in top form, scoring twice in less than two minutes.  That brilliant performance combined with the swirling rumors and Cooper’s noticeably tortoise-like departure from the field of play after regulation time all but solidified his eminent transfer to Europe.

But, just when everyone thought Cooper’s transfer to Europe was inked, FC Dallas General Manager Michael Hitchcock released a statement the following week indicating the club’s plan to keep the star striker.  Transfer fees in the Clint Dempsey range of three to four million dollars had reportedly been discussed but Hitchcock decided against selling off his prized asset.  In the end, the move that never was may turn out to be the best move of the year for MLS.

FC Dallas’ decision not to sell Kenny Cooper may represent a slowly changing MLS landscape in terms of contract negotiation, perceived level of competition, and status of the league as a whole.  Promising young homegrown talent has consistently been plucked from Major League Soccer by larger market teams abroad where wallets are fatter and leagues are more profitable.  Additionally, the superior value of foreign currency has enticed players to leave the U.S. for greener fields. 

Retaining and marketing Major League Soccer’s talent is critical to the success of the entire organization.  By staying put in Dallas, Kenny Cooper has, consciously or not, staked a claim in the development of the league.  Professional talent, albeit more seasoned and further along in their career, has continued to populate the league, adding much needed star power to a more or less faceless enterprise.  Aside from David Beckham, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Landon Donovan, the casual soccer fan in America can count on two hands the number of players throughout the league that they can recall.  There is undoubtedly a gap in the level of play between the stars and the average league professional. Kenny Cooper though, like a select few before him, has worked his way into the fraternity of MLS elite and is on his way to becoming a household name to U.S. soccer fans.

FC Dallas’ ability to hang on to Cooper should pay off handsomely for not only the team but also the league as a whole.  The perception of MLS as a farm team for more developed leagues will change quickly if players can continue to take an interest in their leagues’ development.  Kenny Cooper has two option years remaining on his current contract and in the off-season will renegotiate terms that will put him at or close to designated player status, making him one of the higher paid players in the league.  World-class soccer comes at a price: world-class salaries.  To pay salaries commensurate with top-flight play, Major League Soccer will have to put fans in seats.  What better way to draw large crowds than to invest in rising talent whose salaries will be much more affordable now than they would be following a stint abroad?

A small investment now in Cooper and other players of his caliber will pay tremendous dividends.  Fans want to see stars emerge before their eyes. They do not want to see their would-be heroes whisked away overseas only to watch them on television at 6AM on Saturday mornings.   Fortunately for MLS fans, we still get to watch Kenny Cooper.

HAVE YOUR SAY…
What do you think of FC Dallas’ and MLS’ decision not to grant Cooper a transfer?  Is the league better off holding on to young players or allowing more products of the league to try and flourish overseas?  Send your emails to Soccer 365 by CLICKING HERE.

READER FEEDBACK

It is fortunate for MLS fans that teams have decided to take a long term approach to their investments rather than sell them off for quick profit.  I just hope that by staying home, these players aren’t hurting their chances for national team call ups.  Look at the squad selected to take on Guatemala.  Why was Eddie Johnson selected to play over Kenny Copper, when he will be an equipment manager at Fulham this year?  Also, why does Eddie Lewis consistently feature in the MNT when there are young players in the MLS who have the pace and can fill his spot.  I am afraid that until, it is no longer a requirement that you have overseas experience to feature for your country, players will continue to look abroad for a bigger payday and more prestige.

Regards,

Brandon B

One cannot expect MLS to be the ultimate destination for every player. It simply isn't.

It cannot offer the same level of competition like the best leagues in Europe, nor  the incredible atmosphere  and experience of UEFA Cup and Champions League play.

Therefore, let the players who want to experience it go. It's a short career and everyone should be allowed to pursue their dreams. New, interesting and fun players will come into the league to replace them.

Players will eventually come back home, better and more famous than when they left, and that will further improve the league.

A Kenny Cooper returning from play after a few years with possibly very good European clubs, will only enhance fan interest.

And if you want the U.S. national team to continue to get better, you have to send players to Europe.    The salary cap and sourcing of players from college will make it impossible to bring the level of MLS to the level of the Bundesliga or the Premier League.

Cooper's agent has stated that Cooper would like to go back to Europe to play a.s.a.p. and does not intend to sign any new contracts with FC Dallas, no matter what the offer is. It's about the European experience and not the money.

So he's in FC Dallas for now, but I would think Dallas would allow him to pursue a European career after this season ends.  He's  served the club very well and deserves the chance.

Gordon K