Former Chelsea great set for one last hurrah in MLS with LA Galaxy

Just as one Chelsea legend is about to leave MLS, another is set to arrive.  Reports on both sides of the Atlantic were claiming yesterday that Ashley Cole has agreed a deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

I've been told that #LAGalaxy have signed Ashley Cole. Controversial pick-up, it continues their pursuit of experienced players. #MLS

— Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) January 8, 2016

The controversy comes from the fact that Ashley Cole isn't exactly a spring chicken anymore, hasn't played competitive football in almost a year, and had essentially been without a team since the summer.  There were stories that he had terminated his contract with Roma, though later it appeared that he was still getting paid.  But he certainly wasn't playing.

Many also assumed that the Galaxy would use a Designated Player slot to pay him untold millions, considering his stature as a legend of the game, but it would appear that unlike fellow 35-year-olds Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard, Cole will be just on a standard contract as all the other squad players.

Looks like Ashley Cole with #LAGalaxy may be done...for far less than anticipated. No TAM money, salary well below MLS max of $457,500. Hmmm

— Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11) January 8, 2016

Still, judging by the reaction on Twitter and from our friends over at LAG Confidential, this is a bit of head-scratching acquisition for Bruce Arena & Co.  Though without a large financial commitment and an open spot due to the retirement of left back Todd Dunivant, the acquisition of a "big name" does make some sense.  Chelsea tried something similar with Falcao in the summer; hopefully A.Cole's move works out a bit better.  Maybe he has a goal-line clearance or two left in his boots yet!