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MLS: 5 Gold Cup stars that could move this summer

By Jordan Meagher

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 09: Tyler Boyd (21) of the United States dribbles the ball in action during a friendly international match between the United States and Venezuela on May 09, 2019 at Nippert Stadium, in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 09: Tyler Boyd (21) of the United States dribbles the ball in action during a friendly international match between the United States and Venezuela on May 09, 2019 at Nippert Stadium, in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 29: Raul Jiminez (9) of Mexico battles Celso Borges (5) of Costa Rica for the ball during the Quarterfinals match between Mexico and Costa Rica as part of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup on June 29, 2019, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 29: Raul Jiminez (9) of Mexico battles Celso Borges (5) of Costa Rica for the ball during the Quarterfinals match between Mexico and Costa Rica as part of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup on June 29, 2019, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Celso Borges – Midfielder – Costa Rica

Since failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Costa Rica have turned things around, becoming one of the most dangerous squads in CONCACAF along with the United States and Mexico. One of the keys to that success has been due to the play of Celso Borges.

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The Tico maestro can play all three central midfield positions and has played in some of the biggest leagues in the world, including Spain’s La Liga and the Turkish Super Lig. His diverse skill set has helped him play a vital role for his teams at both the club and international level, as he has the ability to make pinpoint passes, track back and make ball recoveries, contribute to set pieces, and deliver a strike on goal from distance. With Borges still playing at a high level and headed towards the back end of his career at age 31, the Costa Rican international may now be an attractive target for a number of MLS teams in the summer market.

Potential Destinations – Colorado Rapids, FC Cincinnati

With two years still left on his contract with Goztepe in Turkey, a transfer fee would need to be paid in order to acquire the talents of Borges. However, since his value has decreased as he has gotten older, the Tico playmaker may now meet the transfer price point for a number of MLS suitors.

With two DP slots set to open up over the next six months, the Colorado Rapids may soon look to make a splash by acquiring Borges to help provide veteran leadership around a new-look Rapids team built on youth development. Or, Borges may soon find himself headed to a team more like Cincinnati, as the expansion side is in desperate need of some attacking quality. FC Cincinnati has only won one regular season game since March 17th and could use a leader in the middle of the pitch that can do it all. The idea of playing alongside fellow Ticos Kendall Waston and Allan Cruz may also help sweeten the deal. If Cincinnati has the funds, or if they are able to bring in some extra allocation money through trades, Borges may be sporting the orange and blue sooner than later.

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