Abada, Messi; it’s not December

Football leagues are all cartels, but the MLS in the US is a particularly malign version in that it is a closed system, without relegation and promotion.  This lack of market competition is normal sports behaviour in the Land of the Free, but leads to a huge number of stale games from early in the season, as clubs outwith the title battle have little to play for.

Don’t be distracted by Messi’s December years in Miami. The former World’s Greatest is filling his coffers in a low tax environment (he’s famously tax averse), paid for by Amazon Prime customers across North America.

Where else would Celtic profitably sell-on Patryk Klimala, Lewis Morgan and Giorgos Giakoumakis?  Patryk only managed an unproductive year before heading back to Europe.  Lewis Morgan has enjoyed a successful four years, first in Miami, now New York.  The one-time Celtic winger has found his level in the US.

Giorgos left us only 11 months ago.  In 30 MLS appearances since (including from the bench), he scored 19 times.  He is our stand-out successful export to North America and at 29, has surely also found his level.

Liel Abada is 22 years old, still learning his trade but already a respected player who has given us a clutch of memorable moments and goals.  I think he can continue developing into a striker, his timing and calmness in front of goal is reminiscent of some of our greats, even if his wing play is not.

If Liel goes to the MLS it will be with some regret.  He has potential well above that league.  We gave him a platform to learn on and grow, but the developmental job is not complete.  There will be more money on the table, but, unlike Messi, it’s February for Liel, not December.