Brad Guzan is interested in a potential return to MLS, according to FourFourTwo’s Paul Tenorio.
The US national team goalkeeper is currently struggling for playing time at English Premier League club Middlesbrough, where he moved this summer following Aston Villa’s relegation. Tenorio reported that the 32-year-old Chicago-area native could be available on what one source said “could be classified as a non-Designated Player deal” when the transfer window opens in January.
If Guzan does return to MLS, where he played with Chivas USA from 2005-2008, he’d have to go through the league’s allocation order. Chicago, who are set to trade goalkeeper Sean Johnson to Atlanta United FC, currently hold the top spot in the allocation ranking, but that will transfer to 2017 expansion club Atlanta after the league year resets following MLS Cup on Dec. 10. Fellow expansion side Minnesota United FC will hold the second spot behind Atlanta.
Guzan was the US’ No. 1 ‘keeper at this summer’s Copa America Centenario, but served as Tim Howard’s backup in the US’ 2-1 World Cup qualifying loss to Mexico last month. Howard suffered a right adductor injury in that match that will keep him out for several months, potentially opening the door for Guzan -- who started in a 4-0 away loss to Costa Rica four days after the Mexico defeat -- to reclaim the USMNT starting job ahead of crucial qualifiers against Honduras and Panama in March.
