:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65431812/1173235869.jpg.0.jpg)
Olivier Giroud has dropped to third-choice in the striker pecking order, and while there are absolutely no questions about his commitment, attitude, and dedication to the Chelsea cause, it is increasingly looking like this will be his final season at Stamford Bridge one way or another. The 33-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and unlike last season, Chelsea do not have another club-option for a one-year extension.
Giroud, like all players with expiring contracts, will be free to talk to teams outside of England in January. He may have interest from France, like last summer, but after Giroud revealed last month that he would be open to an eventual move to America, at least one MLS team have already started making moves.
“The MLS for my family, my children who speak English, it’s interesting. In a year? In two years? I do not know when. But of course I will be open to a final challenge.”
-Olivier Giroud; source: RMC Sport via Google Translate
According to Dan Riccio of Vancouver, BC sports radio, the local team have inquired with Chelsea about Giroud. Unfortunately for them, they did not receive a positive answer, as Giroud would apparently prefer other MLS teams instead.
Source: Vancouver Whitecaps have contacted Chelsea striker and World Cup champion Olivier Giroud about a potential transfer. However, he only wants a Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, New York or Chicago move. #VWFC #MLS #CFC
— Dan Riccio (@DanRiccio650) October 8, 2019
Considering that the Whitecaps are the worst team in the Western Conference, Giroud’s supposed preference for a better team (and a more high profile location) is understandable. New York and Los Angeles are not only the two biggest media markets in the USA, LAFC and NYCFC are leading their respective Conferences. Wayne Rooney’s DC United and 30-goal Zlatan Ibrahimović’s LA Galaxy are in the playoffs as well, as are the New York Red Bulls, who are part of the Red Bull global football empire. Chicago Fire just missed out, while Miami is an incoming new franchise for next year part-owned by a certain David Beckham. Vancouver may be a gorgeous city, but they are small fry compared to those options.
In any case, this is all rumor and speculation for now. But it sure would not be too surprising to see Olivier Giroud arrive in America at some point in the next year.