Well, so much for this conspiracy theory.Sky Sports is reporting that Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan has been denied a UK work permit today, which will effectively block his $4 million transfer to Aston Villa. The rejection means Guzan will probably return to Chivas USA for the 2008 MLS season.
According to Sky Sports, Guzan's work permit application was rejected because he hasn't gotten enough caps with the U.S. national team in the last year or so. He'll need to get more international experience before he can reapply -- which will be tricky with Everton's Tim Howard, Blackburn's Brad Friedel and Reading's Marcus Hahnemann in the mix and MLS not stopping its season for international tournaments.
Now we know why Chivas didn't bother to search for another goalkeeper during the offseason. They probably knew this was coming. The good news for Guzan, though, is that at least he knows the starting job at Chivas is his. That wouldn't have been the case at Aston Villa until August.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hey, Dave.
Friedel retired from international football in 2002, and definitely has no intention of unretiring.
However, Keller (Fulham) hasn't retired, and seems to be in Bob Bradley's good graces.
The best thing for Guzan's work permit trials would involve lots of US Friendlies on non-international dates. MLS-based rosters = Guzan in goal.