Miguel Ibarra: NY Red Bulls Reportedly Interested in Winger
By Phil Naegely
Miguel Ibarra has most likely been talked about the most this week than he ever has been in the mainstream media. On Monday, ESPN FC reported that Jurgen Klinsmann is going to call-up the Minnesota United winger for the October Friendlies. Two days later, BigAppleSoccer.com is reporting that the New York Red Bulls put in a discovery claim for Ibarra.
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Big Apple Soccer’s report does not come as total shock. Earlier this year, the Red Bulls tried to get Ibarra as a trialist. However, they couldn’t strike an agreement with Minnesota.
With the reported discovery claim, Ibarra could be on New York’s roster in 2015. This could be a good move as it was reported on Wednesday by SI.com that there is “a zero chance” Thierry Henry signs an extension with the club.
Ibarra is no Henry, but he is a proven goal scorer in NASL play. The 24-year old has scored 12 goals in 70 appearances with United. This week he was named NASL player of the week for the second time this season.
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In Major League Soccer there are different mechanism to acquire talent. One of them is the discovery claim. MLS rules and regulations explains discovery claims and when it applies.
"“Clubs may make discovery claims on players not yet under MLS contract who are not subject to the allocation ranking or lottery mechanisms.Each club has the opportunity to make six discovery signings per season (expansion teams may make 10 discovery signings in their inaugural season). A club may have up to 10 discovery claims on unsigned players at any time and may remove or add players at any time. The last day for discovery player signings is September 15, 2014 – coinciding with the roster freeze date and trade deadline.The six discovery signings can be used to fill senior roster spots only. If multiple clubs claim the same player using a discovery, the club that filed the claim first will have first rights to the player. Discovery claims expire following each season. If the League and player are unable to reach an agreement during the season, the club that first filed the discovery retains the right of first refusal in the event the player is later signed by the League.Special Discovery Players: Each team may have only one Special Discovery signing per year. Special Discovery signings will occupy one of a team’s six Discovery Player slots. Teams may amortize the total amount of acquisition costs over the term of the player’s contract as long as the amortized amount and the player’s salary do not exceed the Maximum Salary Budget Charge.Note: To protect interests of MLS clubs in scouting and negotiations with prospective players, the League office will not publicize the names of players on club discovery lists, nor specify if a discovery claim has been filed on a particular player.”"
As stated in the discovery claim section, discovery lists won’t be publicized. Therefore, we may never know officially if the Red Bulls listed Ibarra on their discovery list unless they officially sign him.
For now, this is just one of the many things to follow relating MLS and the Red Bulls. Likewise, we watch Ibarra has he continues to lead Minnesota in NASL play as they currently sit at the top of the standings.