VANCOUVER, B.C - The Major League Soccer secondary transfer window is open for business as teams try to bolster their rosters for the second half of the season as they jostle for playoff positioning.
The window opened on July 8 and closes on August 6. Teams will look to fill gaps, and secure offensive and defensive help for the stretch run. One of the targets that has entered the rumour mill is Cardiff City player, Kenwyne Jones. The Trinidad and Tobago striker has seen his stock rise after a strong performance for his country at the Gold Cup.
The 30 year-old has key strengths that would be a welcome addition for any MLS team. He is big, incredibly strong, fast, terrific in the air, and a clutch leader. Jones has been keeping an eye on the happenings in MLS from Wales.
"I'm quite familiar with Major League Soccer and maybe one day I'll get there. I don't know when that is, but maybe one day."
Jones admitted to RedNation Online that a move would only fit him if it was the right situation and the right place. Having previously played for Southampton, Stoke City, Sunderland, Cardiff City and most recently a loan spell to help AFC Bournemouth reach promotion to the Premier League. Jones is a custom to high pressure situations, new adjustments, and needing to win matches right away.
While playing in England and Wales, Jones was always in contact with individuals already applying their traits in MLS. One of his best mates is former Vancouver Whitecaps FC centre-back Carlyle Mitchell. A move to MLS would bring Jones closer to family and friends that reside in North America.
"I have a few friends over the years that are now playing over there. Of course I have some family in the (United) States and family in Canada. It's something I've been seeing for years upon years, so it's not that strange to me."
A story from The Yanks Are Coming on July 16, added further buzz that Jones would be moving to MLS soon. This was also supported on social media from various people in the know.
One of the clubs linked to the six-foot and two-inch striker is the Columbus Crew. Currently the Crew featuring only one designated player in Federico Higuain. With Kei Kamara leading the league in goals (14), and Ethan Finlay leading the league in assists (11) it's a surprise to have Jones linked to Columbus.
When reached for comment, Columbus was mum on any notion of a summer swing for the Trinidadian.
"As a club policy, we only comment on players that are on our roster."
MLS is still quite often referred to as a 'retirement league' for ageing footballers looking to cash in on a big pay cheque before hanging up their boots. The Toronto FC addition of Sebastian Giovinco has shown that players who are still in their prime can come over and excel in a growing and stable league. Jones has seen a shift in attitudes across the pond and hopes the change is for the better on and off the pitch.
"I think now people think that the league is getting a bit better. Obviously you have players going over there who are a bit older, but now you have players going in more so just in their prime and hopefully MLS will get better and better."
Speculation seems to be staying close to Kenwyne Jones and a move to MLS. It is clear that he would like to make a switch to Major League Soccer at some point in his career. The best time for Jones to make his presence felt would be now. The older you get, the more your skills diminish. Jones is aware.
"Yeah, well hopefully not too late. I don't want to be an old man going over there so hopefully not too late. You never know what the future holds."
Cardiff City currently hold the cards in a transfer of Jones to MLS, and it is thought that they would not be disappointed to shed his salary. Jones was loaned out to AFC Bournemouth in March and realistically, the Bluebirds are trending backwards in terms of being a preseason contender in the Sky Bet Championship.
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