MLS: Where would Bryan Ruíz best fit in MLS?

The captain of Costa Rica could be available. Ruíz is still a CONCACAF stand out and would start for every MLS team, but where would he best fit?

It’s that time of the year once again, and silly season is full of speculations and rumors. This is once again the case about a potential move for one of CONCACAF’s best attacking players, Costa Rica captain, Bryan Ruíz, once again being linked to MLS.

Ruíz has been with Portuguese giants Sporting CP since 2015 and has been playing across the pond since 2006. After a decade in Europe, a move back to the CONCACAF reason makes sense. So we ask, where would the left-footed attack have the best fit? Ruíz has traditionally been deployed as a left winger but also has played as an attacking midfielder or a secondary striker. Even at 31 years of age, the Costa Rican would likely require a Designated Player spot.

Available Roster Space

DC United have struggled to score this season. They sit in last place in goals scored in the league, and really any high profile attacker would be a great addition. Pairing Ruíz with Luciano Acosta provides for plenty of intrigues. DC United currently have a DP spot available, but they would have to free up an international spot in order to bring in Ruíz, along with a spot on the senior roster.

Minnesota United has the roster space and an international slot available, and the young team could do well with Ruíz in the attack. Fellow Costa Rican Francisco Calvo has been the team’s best defender, and bringing in Ruíz would add a veteran presence on the left side, something the newcomers have been missing, or it would allow for Kevin Molino to step back to the wing spot. Getting the Loons to foot the transfer fee associated with him would be a separate issue.

The Houston Dynamo would be a match made in heaven for Ruíz. Being able to pull the strings behind Alberth Elis, Cubo Torres, and Romell Quioto would highlight Ruíz’s abilities. The Dynamo have been linked with a younger playmaker in Tomás Martínez but having Ruíz as a potential fallback option would be worthwhile.

CONCACAF Competition

Ruíz is currently with the Costa Rican National Team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he just earned his 100th cap for his native squad.

Ruíz has been a standout from the CONCACAF region for several years now. His play in the 2014 World Cup turned heads and eventually helped him land with Sporting CP. It would be no surprise for other teams in the region going after his services. It’s unlikely that he would return to Costa Rica at this point in his career, but a move to Liga MX could allow him a nice place to transition his career, similar to a move to MLS.

Next: Giuseppe Rossi set for a move to MLS?

Just this week, sought after MLS target Keisuke Honda signed with Liga MX Pachuca amid rumors of him working on a contract with Los Angeles FC or the Seattle Sounders. A similar move could make the most sense for Ruíz, especially considering how MLS signings over the last few windows have been younger and signed as free agents.

Regardless, any team in MLS would be happy to have Ruíz on board, having him finally sign on board with them is the next hurdle.