Grella On Trial In England


Here is yet another story of a guy that is passing on MLS who just finished up college. Now former Duke forward Mike Grella passed at signing a MLS contract to look elsewhere for work. Obviously rookie salary wasn’t going to cut it for Grella (and who can blame him).

Instead he is trying to land his feet in England. Grella is on trial with Leeds United, and scored three goals in Leeds’ reserve match against Barnsley on yesterday. Leeds plays in League 1, the English third division.

Some will ask how Grella is able to play for a club in England if he hasn’t appeared for the US National team any…well it is simple, Grella holds an Italian passport. He is free to sign with the English club, and his Italian passport will allow him to sign anywhere in Europe he can secure a contract.

Toronto FC, the club who drafted Grella in last week’s MLS SuperDraft has been made aware of Grella’s situation in Europe. More than likely they drafted Grella to secure his rights for two years.

Still, it is a shame the league couldn’t sign a player like Grella but as we all know until the average rookie salary goes up from the pathetic number that it is now guys will continue to pursue this path. I hope nothing but the best for Grella though in Europe. Hopefully he can produce well and get plenty of PT.