WVHooligan - Soccer Blog

Don’t worry, the weekend recaps are coming soon (probably in the morning). But I wanted to knock out some of the transfer rumors that are happening right now around Major League Soccer. Today’s big rumor takes place here in the Big D. FC Dallas is said to be looking into signing Argentine striker Ariel Ortega.

Dallas recently traded for two international roster spots and Ortega seems to be at the top of their list.

“Our priority is to find a forward that can step in right away, play 90 minutes and score and set some goals,” Ellinger said. “I’m going to give [Ortega] a shot.”

Hyndman said FC Dallas would like to find an experienced impact player who can complement Kenny Cooper on offense. But an international star such as Ortega – who may be as popular in his country as Diego Maradona – could be expensive.

“The ownership is [financially] prepared if the right player is presented to make our team more competitive, even if that means a designated player,” Ellinger said.

The 34-year old Ortega may be a perfect fit for Dallas. Even though he is a bit on the older side I seem him having a Schelotto-type impact for Dallas if he is signed. The River Plate star can play as a striker or in an attacking midfielder role, two positions Dallas needs to get situated.

Ortega doesn’t come without a bit of a history to him. While he is a solid goalscorer on the field, his off the field issues have troubled him everywhere that he has gone. From River Plate to Valencia and back again he’s never stayed long in any locker room. He still sounds like an upgrade over some of the current offense that Dallas has right now.

Ellinger is also still scouting in South America for the coming week. He is going to head to Brazil next to scout some more players at Dallas’s partner club Clube Atletico Paranaense (CAP).

Don’t be too shocked to see Dallas quickly sign a two players in the coming weeks from South America. I think Ortega is a good start for the club too. Signing him and another young player from CAP could help this club push for a playoff spot if all works out for the club.