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Sporting Kansas City coach Peter Vermes believes that the MLS will start to attract more world class players, starting with Premier League pair Frank Lampard and Jermain Defoe. Lampard was linked with a move to LA Galaxy last summer, whilst Defoe has been interesting former teammate Ryan Nelson at Toronto FC. Vermes told Sky Sports that the MLS is growing, in large part due to the David Beckham effect, and that he sees both Defoe and Lampard making the move across the pond soon.
“I see both of them coming”, he said. “I think it’s going to happen. They are world-class players with great qualities that I think will only help enhance the league.”
“Defoe, I think, is a done deal already but that’s just my opinion. Frank was linked last year and I think he stayed on because [Jose] Mourinho was coming back.”
“There’s a good chance he makes the move to the Galaxy.”
Vermes continued by talking about the growth of football in the USA since the turn of the century.
“Back in 2000 there was 10 teams in the league, now there are 19 with two more coming in a year from now in New York and Orlando. The game is growing tremendously well in the States and the popularity of the sport is making it relevant in the sports scene.”
“[Beckham’s impact] was enormous. Not only was he a great player on the field but the amount of work he did off the field, media wise, bringing attention to the game was fantastic.”
“I was amazed watching him, the way he was always available for different things, he was great.”
Beckham has taken up his option to own an MLS franchise, which is widely expected to be based in Florida, a location Vermes sees sense in:
“Florida is definitely a part of the country that there is a very strong soccer interest with the different ethnic backgrounds.”
“I’m not going to be the one to doubt David. He’s figured out a way to be successful in everything he has done and I am sure this will just be another success story for him.”
