Soccer:Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has seen a "dream come true" by completing his move to the Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy after agreeing a deal ahead of the US transfer deadline (5am Irish time) this morning. The two-year-deal was only confirmed this evening despite intense speculation over the weekend.
Keane must wait on visa clearance before he can play for his new club, who have not released details of the fee paid or salary, but it is believed Tottenham let the Dubliner go for around €4 million.
Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel looks set to make way because under MLS rules each club can only have three “designated players”, who are essentially the high earners. David Beckham is Galaxy’s biggest draw in that regard, while US international Landon Donovan occupies another slot, meaning Angel, who has misfired since his move from New York Red Bulls in December will be the one to make way. He looks set to join LA rivals Chivas USA.
“I am delighted, honoured and very excited to be joining the LA Galaxy,” Keane said. “I have always wanted to come and play in MLS so it’s the perfect combination for me and a dream come true.
“My family and I have already been made to feel very welcome in telephone calls from (owner) Tim Leiweke and (Galaxy manager) Bruce Arena. Also when David Beckham came and trained at Spurs recently he couldn't speak highly enough about the Galaxy, their fans and the league in general, so I can’t wait to get over and get started.”
Arena welcomed Keane as a “great addition to our club”, adding: “I have followed his career and have always respected his ability as a competitor and a goalscorer.
“I believe that he brings qualities in and around the penalty area that we have been lacking. Hopefully, he will be another piece of the puzzle in our quest for the supporters’ Shield and an MLS Cup championship as well as to advance to the next round of the Concacaf Champions League.”
Keane has been surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane for some time after dropping down the pecking order over the past two seasons. Just last week he insisted his representatives were in talks with a number of clubs, though he stated the interest was from within the Premier League.
The striker, who has had two spells at White Hart Lane, played 13 times for Tottenham last year before being shipped out on loan to West Ham, where he scored on his debut before being hampered by injury.
The 31-year-old made 254 appearances for Spurs during his first spell between 2002 and 2008, during which time he scored 107 goals.
He then moved to Liverpool for €20 million but returned to north London within six months after a torrid time at Anfield.
Though he scored 15 goals since his return, Redknapp preferred to use Jermain Defoe, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch last season and the arrival of Rafael van der Vaart further reduced Keane's first-team opportunities.
Blackburn and npower Championship side Leicester were also thought to be interested in the former Inter Milan striker. However, Leicester boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has already conceded defeat in his attempt to sign Keane.
"I saw in the papers that Robbie Keane is going to play with David Beckham. If that is right, it is difficult to compete," Eriksson told the Leicester Mercury. "We can compete with Championship clubs but, when a player decides to go to the Premier League or if it is right Keane is going to LA, it is difficult.
"If you are player and you have the chance to play in the Premier League, you understand that is what they want to do. Shane Long is an example because he had the chance to go to a good Premier League club. It is not about money.
What this will mean for the international future of Ireland’s record goalscorer (51 goals), remains to be seen, but manager Giovanni Trapattoni has stuck by Keane, so far, despite the Tallaght man’s lack of game time at club level in recent seasons.
He has also called Caleb Folan into the Ireland squad since the former Hull striker made his move to MLS side Colorado Rapids, suggesting Keane’s move will not hinder his chances under the Italian.
