De Rossi linked to RBNY, NYC FC

Midfielder Daniele De Rossi, who has spent his entire senior career with A.S. Roma (2001 to present) has been linked to the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC for a possible summer transfer. Italian site SoccerItalia is reporting that most of the interest seems to be coming from NYC FC with the Red Bulls being reluctant to spend DP money.

De Rossi is currently on a five year contract with Roma, that will expire in July 2017. The contract is for 10 million Euro a year, or roughly $12.2 million US. That's close to three times more than Thierry Henry was making in 2014 ($4.35 million according to the players union). It's also about $5 million more than the contract of Orlando City SC's Kaka, which would make him the highest paid player in MLS.

Monetary considerations aside, there's two issues with De Rossi in terms of the Red Bulls. The first is that while De Rossi is only 31, he has been playing senior team soccer since 2001. That's 13 (and counting) seasons of wear and tear, and playing in Europe (and for Italy) isn't a light schedule. He would fit in as a veteran presence, but after the injury problems with Henry & Jamison Olave, can the Red Bulls afford another player with a lot of miles on his legs, especially at a DP salary?

The second is his role. He's played mainly as a defensive midfielder, a position currently occupied by Dax McCarty and Eric Alexander. There's no particular need for the position at the moment aside from depth, and there are a lot more cheaper options out there for that.

Most likely De Rossi won't be coming to the Red Bulls, or probably NYC FC for that matter. It's just a rumor and we all know that most transfer rumors don't shake out. Still, it's good to dream. Would you want DeRossi on the Red Bulls?