AMSTERDAM — Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Michael Bradley has rejected an offer to join Europa League participants Spartak Moscow, MLSsoccer.com has learned.
As with a winter proposal from Turkish giants Galatasaray, the US international felt the destination was a little bit too exotic for his soccer and lifestyle tastes.
"He did have an offer from Moscow," Bradley rep Brian Eylert confirmed to MLSsoccer.com. "It was an attractive offer, but Michael thinks there are better leagues than Russia."
Despite various reports recently linking him with serious interest from continental clubs such as Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain and longtime admirers Napoli, the agent reports that there are no ongoing discussions regarding possible moves.
Bradley also has some interest in the Bundesliga, but for the moment, no fish are biting due to a price tag in the $5 million range. Bradley, 23, is entering the final season of his 'Gladbach deal and has previously been considered by German rivals of Hamburg and Werder Bremen.
"We've talked to a few Bundesliga clubs with vague interest, but they've all said [the asking price] is too much," said Eylert, stressing Aston Villa’s recent pass on their buy option for Bradley. "They all saw it in the papers. It may not be the exact amount, but they generally know what Mönchengladbach is asking."
"Money is tight in Germany right now, most teams aren't spending freely,” he added. “Perhaps some of them will come back at the end of the transfer period."
As previously reported by MLSsoccer.com, Bradley remains high on AS Roma's American wish list, but the Serie A club still has other priorities to deal with before they begin chase for a US star to groom. The Giallorossi "project" was, however, given a boost this week when Serie A raised the non-European Union roster limit by one.
Still, Bradley is certainly not against playing out his contract at 'Gladbach to enjoy a free agent's buffet of choices next summer.
"Of course, being a free agent at the end of the season puts him in a good position," Eylert said. "Then he could go anywhere he likes."
For now, Bradley is content to be back with the Foals after some post-Gold Cup rest and relaxation. Troubles with old boss Michael Frontzeck are a thing of the past with new manager Lucien Favre speaking his language.
"The new coach has had some very good conversations with him," Eylert said. "He has a favorable impression of the coach. We're convinced he's going to be a regular starter."
With or without Bradley, Borussia Mönchengladbach will kick off their 112th season with an Aug. 7 trip to Bayern Munich.
