Frank Lampard on MLS future: It's up to Chelsea
The ball is in Chelsea’s court when it comes to Frank Lampard’s possible Major League Soccer future.
The 34-year-old continues to be linked with a move to North America after his contract ends next season. While Lampard would not rule out the possibility of joining the league, he stated that his priority is to remain at Chelsea if the club is willing to re-sign him.
“I am not sure [about a future in MLS],” Lampard said. “I have another year on my contract at Chelsea and we have a huge season ahead of us with the Super Cup and the Club World Cup in December.
“It’s up to Chelsea to talk with me about my future and at that time, I’ll talk with them. I would not rule anything out at the moment.”
Speculation suggests that both New York and Los Angeles could compete for Lampard’s services should he decide to join MLS.
Sources close to LA’s Robbie Keane have told Goal.com that the Ireland striker is privately seeking a move back to Europe at the end of the 2012 season. If Keane finds an interested team, it would open up a Designated Player spot for the Galaxy, allowing the team to pursue Lampard.
The Red Bulls have also been relatively quiet on the DP transfer front this season and it is believed the team is holding out for the right option instead of throwing money at a big-name player.
New York’s head coach Hans Backe and Erik Soler have both admitted that the club is looking for an attacking midfielder.
Still, Lampard made it clear that he did not have a preference toward any MLS club. The Chelsea vice captain smiled when asked if there was any MLS team in particular that he had like to join, stating, “No.”
If Lampard joins MLS, he could be one of the most profilic midfield players to join the North American league. Lampard has averaged over 12 goals a season from a central midfielder role since joining Chelsea in 2001 from West Ham.
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