The once level playing fields of North America may be gone for good. All of a sudden parity appears to be a dirty word.
The post-World Cup transfer market is in full swing and veterans of South Africa are arriving by the boatload to sign on for Major League Soccer.
Well not exactly by the boatload, but you get my drift. Some we knew about, some were long rumoured and some just popped up out of the blue. Suddenly, for some, a Designated Player is a must have, and why stop at one when you can three.
The rules have been relaxed and the once spendthrift MLS wants in. Why wouldn't it? Ratings are everything in the entertainment business and the World Cup ratings were huge. MLS in general, and its franchise owners in particular, believe it is time to board the gravy train.
New York has already lured Thierry Henry and is almost certain to add Mexico's World Cup captain Rafa Marquez following his departure from Barcelona. Uruguayan midfielder Alvaro Fernandez has landed in Seattle while former Sounder Freddie Ljungberg has joined Nery Castillo in Chicago.
Toronto FC is reportedly paying DP wages to Mista after the Spanish striker joined his former Deportivo La Coruna teammate Julian de Guzman as Canada's sole Designated Player. Blaise Nkufo is making himself comfortable in Seattle while Branko Boskovic is doing likewise in D.C.
Lest we forget the league's two biggest earners. David Beckham, himself, was the first to take advantage of what some initially referred to as The Beckham Rule, while Landon Donovan's new deal takes him into the stratosphere of soccer salaries.
MLS is spending big but ironically is about to lose its poster boy. The league was prepared to allow Donovan to join Everton on loan only after it signed him to a lucrative four-year deal. His success in the EPL, coupled with an impressive World Cup, means his MLS days are almost over.
At 28 Donovan has finally emerged as the face of US soccer. His previous false starts in Europe have been forgotten and his performances in South Africa have significantly elevated his profile. In a nation, which needs a home-grown soccer hero, Donovan has delivered.
He has achieved what few imagined possible. He has matched and succeeded his ageing and ailing teammate Beckham and there is no shortage of suitors for his services. Donovan is at the peak of his career in terms of age and ability and Europe is ready to roll out the welcome mat.
There can be no doubt it is a matter of when not if Donovan departs. The European transfer window closes at the end of August and it is now merely a numbers game. When MLS agrees an acceptable figure for its biggest star, Donovan will be sold for a record fee.
Donovan has been loyal long enough. Staying true to his roots serves no purpose despite Commissioner Don Garber's forlorn wish for him to remain in MLS. Donovan, though, still has a part to play. When he's gone he can become an ambassador for the league that nurtured him.
He can sell MLS and a lifestyle choice to those searching for a fresh option, not a retirement home. Some, like Henry, didn't need much encouragement. Others need to be persuaded MLS is an attractive, viable option rather than a stone cold career killer.
In the final analysis, money talks. Few, if any, European clubs would have given Henry, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday later this month, a four-year contract. If he helps fill New York's first soccer specific stadium and brings on field success, it will be regarded as money well spent.
It is just possible we are witnessing the formative stages of MLS franchises building future dynasties. New York wants to expand in terms of fan base and silverware before Garber admits a second NYC based team - perhaps the reformed Cosmos in 2013.
Closer to home, Toronto FC is desperate to achieve something before its Canadian MLS exclusivity expires in a matter of months. Vancouver's plans are well advanced in terms of personnel and stadium preparations while, in Montreal, the Impact are hot on their heels.
The bigger the league, the tougher it becomes to be successful. The deeper the pockets, the easier it becomes to have a chance. No guarantees mind you, just a chance.
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