This report is being typed on Sunday, July 11th which means there are a good three to four days before the official opening of the MLS Summer Transfer Window to bring in new players to strengthen the squads of those that are ready to make a move for a playoff position, or to continue their solid run into a playoff spot.

But for the New York Red Bulls who have played a strong season in their brand new Arena it’s a matter of two things they want. Adding more offensive players to get goals and of course a big splash on the roster. If you read all the reports from blog sites, news sites, ESPN, Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer .com that man coming over is French International Striker Thierry Henry.

Meeting New York Red Bulls Sporting Director Erik Soler in the pressroom before the match against DC United. He informed the media that he was close in signing his second Designated Player star, but was still a bit tight lipped on said players name. There was some attempt by the writers to poke at Soler to say it would be Henry, but the Norwegian wouldn’t give us the answer.

But isn’t it fitting that the New York Red Bulls on their Red Bull Reader site would keep on giving video hints on who is coming over once the Transfer Window opens. But you have to say that the suspense has been spectacular.

A couple of days ago I was in Manhattan and spent time with a friend having lunch at the English style Fish & Chips shop on Greenwich Ave called “A Salt & Battery” wearing my white Red Bulls jersey. As soon as I parked the car in a garage nearby, the questions of “Is Henry really coming to NY” popped up and I told them that was the rumor.

All over the city which is a heavy Baseball town with Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees, David Wright and the New York Mets is also very soccer/football savvy. Arsenal supporters are anxious to see him play at Red Bull Arena. Those who are from France and live in NYC are also excited to see him play & of course a lot of people who know his name and watched him throughout the years with both Arsenal & Barcelona want to see him wear a New York Red Bulls kit.

I have to say that the last time I saw a player bringing this much excitement to the city and the tri-state area was the 2000 MetroStars season when Clint Mathis became a star moving from the Los Angeles Galaxy in the middle of that season. But you have to say that bringing in another top name from Europe and still has the quality to finish his chances will give help to Juan Pablo Angel up top and give Major League Soccer another notch on their belts that started with David Beckham.

What’s my feeling in all this fantastic talk about some of the top players coming over from Europe and South America playing here in Major League Soccer? It just goes to show you that no matter what happens in certain parts of the world, the silly season will always be red hot.

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