Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is set to end his career in the Amecian top-flight MLS as AC Milan are keen to offload the under-performing over the winter.
Essien could become the latest big-name star to move across the Atlantic, with Tuttosport reporting that the AC Milan midfielder is set to join MLS as soon as the winter transfer window.
The news comes just a day after Essien switched representatives to US-based Clavijo Soccer Agency, operated by Nicolas Clavijo – son of former player and now-FC Dallas Technical director Fernando Clavijo – fuelling speculation of a potential stateside switch.
The 31-year-old joined Milan from Chelsea on a free transfer last January, but has since struggled to break into the Italian side’s line-up, making just two starts in five appearances this season for a total of 226 minutes of action.
While his contract is set to expire in the summer, the Serie A giants are keen to get the Ghana international’s wages off their books as soon as possible, but there are said to be few potential European suitors, even with no transfer fee required.
Once considered one of the most dominant midfielders in the game during his time at Chelsea, Essien has been in clear decline since suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage for the second time in the summer of 2011.
It remains to be seen which MLS clubs might be interested in his signature but, despite his reputation, whether he would prove a wise investment at this point, considering the potential wage package, is debatable.
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