“Wood-Bye?” Great headline, Bild.
A report from the German outlet says Bobby Wood has turned down the chance to join FC Cincinnati, but is interested in finding a home in Major League Soccer.
The 45-times capped USMNT striker was offered $1 million by the second-year MLS club, but didn’t want to risk what would be a $3 million pay cut if Hamburg is promoted next season.
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Only 21 players made $2 million or more in guaranteed compensation last season.
Hamburg sits second in 2.Bundesliga, and the first two teams are promoted at the end of the season. The third-place team plays the third-bottom team in the Bundesliga for a spot, and Hamburg has a six-point edge on fourth.
It’s very reasonable to think Wood’s side will be promoted, and that he’d make $4 million even sitting out all of the matches. It’s a huge challenge when MLS is going for players still in prime-aged years. Only 21 players made $2 million or more in guaranteed compensation last season. Money’s still in Europe.
But he’d also theoretically want to stay in the frame for the USMNT. Gregg Berhalter has made it clear he doesn’t care if you’re on a good club but not playing, and has also shown an affinity for MLS strikers.
Wood is 27 years old and has only managed 152 minutes for Hamburg this season, but his resume is much brighter. The Hawaii-born forward has 13 USMNT goals, 10 Bundesliga goals, and 23 in Germany’s second tier.
