Don’t pay attention to the rumors swirling around the New York Red Bulls' stars.
That was the message on Tuesday from RBNY sporting director Erik Solér, who said in a conference call that any rumblings about Tim Ream, Rafa Márquez or Thierry Henry going out on loan or being sold were not in the club’s plans.
The most frenzied reports revolve around Ream, who is currently training with English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion and has been linked with a loan deal by the English media.
WATCH: Ream puts it on a platter
Several outlets have quoted manager Roy Hodgson as taking a keen interest in American center back, who the West Brom manager believes has enough quality to start for his team. However, Solér dismissed any suggestions that Ream will be playing anywhere but Red Bull Arena this spring.
“Tim is going to play for us next year,” Solér said. “I met with him, as I did with every single player after the season, and my message was very clear. We would like him to go on those two training sessions to gain experience, and also to have a personal benchmark on what the mid or lower Premier League would feel like.
“Apart from that, we have absolutely no other plans than him returning here and gaining some experience that will be good for us.”
In addition to documented interest in Ream, Márquez made headlines at the beginning of the offseason with a rumored move to Mexican club Atlas.
Comments made by the Mexican national team captain fanned the flames of a possible move but, as with Ream, Solér anticipates having the player in camp when preseason training opens on Jan. 16.
“We have not been approached by Rafa himself or any other clubs,” Solér said. “I have had a long chat with Rafa and he’s not going anywhere. He’s not asked to go anywhere.”
If that weren’t enough, Thierry Henry this week was tied to Everton, who are in need of a goalscorer. UK tabloids reported the former Arsenal man could be a loan target for the Merseyside club. Once again, Solér threw cold water on any speculation that Henry – or any other player – would be allowed to leave on loan.
“This always comes up when we have an offseason,” he said. “We have no plans of loaning any players anywhere. Thierry’s working out at Arsenal to stay fit. We’re happy that he’s doing so, but he’s coming back.”
