Fernando Torres is no stranger to Major League Soccer rumors, This time around, it seems they are likely to be true with Torres leaving Spain in January.
As the MLS Cup Playoffs have slimmed down to just four teams, the transfer rumors are in full force already for 2018. This time, while not being linked to a specific team, Spanish forward Fernando Torres has been linked with MLS. This isn’t the first time Torres has been linked with Major League Soccer. Last summer the well-traveled forward was rumored to have multiple offers from MLS sides, along with many from China, but ultimately chose to stay in Spain with Atletico Madrid. The timing of it all made the rumors of an MLS move feel fabricated.
This time around, however, there are strong reasons to believe Torres could cross the pond. Prolific forward Diego Costa is joining Atletico in January, and will likely bump Torres down the depth chart. Atletico manager, Diego Simeone, has routinely gone with other forwards ahead of El Niño, showing that Torres likely isn’t included in his long-term plans.
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Even at age 32, Torres will likely demand a sizable salary and be a Designated Player should he land in MLS. NYCFC is the most obvious choice, with the New York having a vacant Designated Player spot left by Pirlo, which would reunite Torres and fellow Spaniard, David Villa. Orlando City is another possible option as they look to not only replace Kaka but also Canadian forward Cyle Larin, while LAFC could likely be in the running as well.