New York Cosmos: Three strikers in, one striker out?
Totti is wanted by two NASL clubs: Miami FC and the Cosmos. Photo credit: ESPN FC
As Calciomercato.com reported on June 1st, NY Cosmos may hijack Totti’s possible move to Miami FC. Soc Takes understands that Cosmos are indeed interested in signing the Italian legend, but have not yet approached him directly. Currently, the club seem to simply be ascertaining Totti’s level of interest in Cosmos based on conversations “with people close to Totti,” a source informs Soc Takes. The club came close to signing Totti last year as well, and will be hoping they can fight off competition from Miami FC to bring Totti to the city that never sleeps.
Incredibly, Totti might be one of three forwards Cosmos is interested in signing. Soc Takes understands that Cosmos’ focus is to sign strikers who will be able to get at the end of crosses sent in by midfielders Emmanuel Ledesma and Javi Marquez as well as fullbacks Ayoze Garcia and Ryan Richter.
Cosmos purportedly are “very close” to a deal with Argentine striker Pablo Vranjican. The well-traveled 31 year old, 6 foot 1 striker, was most recently at Malaysian side Pahang FC, where he scored 3 goals in 17 appearances. Vranjican has been on trial with Cosmos and wore the legendary Cosmos jersey during their recent trip to Saudi Arabia. The deal could be announced as early as next week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ9G3lJAiZM;
The third player in the mix is Spanish forward, Gaizka Toquero. Toquero can play as both a winger and a forward. The 32 year old ex-Athletic Bilbao striker is currently out of contract at La Liga club Alaves, where he has scored 10 goals in 62 appearances. While at Bilbao, Toquero reached the finals of the Europa League in 2012, as well as the Copa Del Ray on 4 different occasions. Toquero is known for his hard work and ability to be an asset in a forward pressing system; similar to the one Bielsa designed at Bilbao.
Unlike Totti, Cosmos have formally approached Toquero. According to a source, Toquero is interested in signing for Cosmos, but is exploring other options, as multiple clubs have approached him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Rk-UzdzNjQ;
While Amauri still remains an official member of NY Cosmos, Soc Takes understands that the club does not see him as a part of their future. Whether that will result in a mutual termination of contracts is unclear at this point.
Given Cosmos’ overspending last season, it is reasonable to ponder the financial prudence in all of this. Soc Takes understands that Vranjican and Toquero would be within Cosmos’ budget. As for Totti, that may depend on freeing up Amauri’s wages. Therefore, unless multiple things change, at this point, Miami FC seem to have the upper hand on signing Totti.
The Takeaway:
At this point, Vranjican seems very likely, Toquero seems likely, and Totti should be described as unlikely. As for Amauri, don’t expect to see him make an appearance for NY Cosmos anytime soon.
(Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly suggested Amauri had not made an appearance for NY Cosmos yet.)
You can find Nipun and SocTakes at @NipunChopra7 and @SocTakes on Twitter.
