PRINCTEON, N.J. — USA midfielder DaMarcus Beasley has not ruled out a potential return to MLS as he seeks a new club this summer following the expiration of his contract with Scottish club Rangers.
The former Chicago Fire winger told MLSsoccer.com that he was focused on latching on to a European club but he made it clear that a comeback to the United States was still a possibility.
“My first option is Europe,” Beasley said from US National Team training camp. “I’m open to a lot of different possibilities and opportunities for myself. Right now come July 1, I don’t have a club. So I’m looking for different opportunities. MLS could be one or it could not.”
The 27-year-old, who made his professional debut under US head coach Bob Bradley in Chicago, considers himself fortunate to have been called up as one of 30 players on the USA's provisional roster.
“I’m proud to be here,” he said. “I had a difficult season coming from Rangers. I didn’t know I was going to make the 30-man squad. It’s a different situation for myself being the outside guy looking in [at camp]. I’m out here working hard and trying to get my butt back into the team.”
Beasley said the fact his contract was expiring could have been a reason he only saw action in nine matches for the Glasgow club in the recently concluded 2009-10 European season which saw Rangers clinch another league title.
“The higher-ups on the team definitely wanted to get rid of my salary,” he said. “But I’m a man so I can take it. I didn’t do enough, I guess, to play on that team. I felt that I did and I felt I deserved at least a chance to play, but it didn’t happen.”
The Fort Wayne, Ind., native is not the only player on the US squad with a slightly uncertain future. On Monday, back-up goalkeeper Brad Guzan spoke about his quest to gain more playing time, which could include the possibility of Aston Villa loaning him to another club. Forward Herculez Gomez is also looking for a new contract after his successful stint with Puebla in Mexico.
If Beasley does resurface in Europe, it’s a sure thing that it won’t be in Scotland.
“I had a great time, but Scotland is done,” Beasley said. “I’m looking forward to opening a new chapter in my book. Whether that’s in England, Spain, Greece or whatever. I would love to stay in Europe, it’s my first option … Any club that needs a left midfielder or a right midfielder, I’m available.”
