AMSTERDAM – Advanced transfer talks for returning Sochaux forward Charlie Davies have failed, MLSsoccer.com has learned. The upshot is that on January 4 he will join up with his Ligue 1 teammates for the first time in nearly a year to start midseason preparation.
Earlier this month, the 25-year-old's representative revealed that his client was close to finalizing a move elsewhere on the continent. In addition, sources indicated to MLSsoccer.com, the US international had serious interest from Mexican clubs.
"He's looking forward to going back to Sochaux," Davies' agent, Lyle Yorks, confirmed to MLSsoccer.com. "There are other options in Europe, but right now he's just excited to show the new coach what he can do."
Mehmed Baždarević was hired as Sochaux's manager in June, taking over for Francis Gillot, the man who brought Davies to the club in 2009. Davies, who bagged 11 goals on loan to D.C. United this past season, scored two goals from eight Ligue 1 outings for the club before suffering devastating injuries in a fatal car accident in October 2009.
After finishing fifth last term, Sochaux surprisingly sit next to last in Ligue 1, with but 21 goals from 19 games. They return to action with a Coupe de France round of 64 contest at Bastia on January 7, and then will try to halt a six-game league win drought at Saint-Étienne the following Saturday.
AE Saturday Recap
A pair of American exports were creatures stirring on the night before Christmas, With Carlos Bocanegra and Maurice Edu saw their Scottish league lead sliced to one point after nine-man Rangers fell 2-1 at St. Mirren. With ankle knock victim Alejandro Bedoya sitting out, Bocanegra worked 77 minutes before departing in favor of an attacker. Edu entered at the half hour, taking up a patrol place in midfield following the 25th minute ejection of Lee McCulloch.
Over in Israel, Bryan Gerzicich and season darlings Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona moved four points clear at the top of the table thanks to a 58th minute own goal by Maccabi Netanya defender Leo Krupnick. The surprise package from the north have now won six straight league games and 10 of 11.
Greg Seltzer covers American Exports for MLSsoccer.com.
