On Monday a cryptic Tweet has got folks in U.S. soccer circles chatting away.
Barcelona’s back up ‘keeper for the past six seasons, Jose Manuel Pinto, has sent out a message to his followers stating the following.
“On my way to the USA to enjoy a new experience! Go for your dreams.” The message included Pinto giving a thumbs up while sat on a plane. That could mean Pinto is continuing his career in North America, or it could mean his passion for music means he is Stateside for the time being. His stage name is Wahin, a music producer as he juggled that with being the back up ‘keeper for one of the world’s biggest soccer teams.
Rumor mongers are trying to fill in the blanks.
Pinto, 38, is now a free agent after leaving Barca this summer. The Spanish giants have since brought in two new goalkeepers with Chilean stopper Claudio Bravo and Germany ‘keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen both arriving. Pinto, along with long-time number one Victor Valdes, were both out of contract at the Nou Camp. Pinto spent most of his career with Celta Vigo, but had stops at Betis and Barcelona, as the Spanish ‘keeper made 90 appearances for the Catalan side over the past six seasons as Valdes’ understudy.
If he is heading to start a career in North America, which MLS team would take him?
There is set to be plenty of goalkeeper movement in the coming weeks as Philadelphia has loaded up on ‘keepers with Algerian World Cup star Raïs M’Bolhi signed on at PPL Park, while promising youngsters Zac MacMath and Andre Blake are still around. Surely Pinto isn’t going there too?! Looking around, perhaps the Revs will look to acquire his experience as Bobby Shuttleworth continues to develop? Or maybe Sporting KC are looking for some cover following Andy Gruenebaum’s injury and only youngster Jon Kempin around? Even after the MLS transfer window slammed shut, silly season is still alive and well.
This Tweet has confused a lot of people and has come out of the blue. Pinto could also be following the likes of Spanish veteran Marcos Senna into NASL, so perhaps MLS will not be his destination after all.
Below is the Tweet he sent, as soccer fans in North America will wait to see where Pinto lands in the coming days and weeks. Stay tuned, folks.
Rumbo a USA a disfrutar de una nueva experiencia! #VeAPorTusSueños #Makinando pic.twitter.com/wyfxAkwRL3
— Pinto “Wahin” (@13_Pinto) August 18, 2014