Tranquillo Barnetta was at PPL Park on Friday, training with the Philadelphia Union.
The Union brass hope that’s where he stays for many more training sessions and games to come.
“He’s here seeing if Philadelphia and MLS is a fit,” Union technical director Chris Albright told reporters Friday. “It’s a player whose pedigree I think speaks for itself -- when you look at his resume playing in the last three World Cups and 10 years in Bundesliga. We’re hopeful we can get it over the line but right now it’s a feeling-out process for him.”
It’s because of his impressive resume that Barnetta has drawn a lot of interest. But as he weighs offers from around the world, the Union made it clear that they hope the Swiss winger opts to come to Philly after four years at FC Schalke.
“He’s making a big decision right now,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said. “You can see his quality in training. He’s obviously done it on the world stage with Switzerland and he’s done it with Schalke.
“He’s a quality player -- a guy we’re obviously very interested in, very high on and we hope to wear this badge.”
The presence of Barnetta, who’s been capped 75 times by Switzerland, would give the Union a big boost on the left wing -- where Andrew Wenger has been plagued by inconsistency and is currently out with a concussion -- or extra creativity in the central midfield.
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Reeling in a player of his caliber would also help put the Union closer in line with other MLS teams that are acquiring well-known international players.
“The appeal of America is a real one now,” Curtin said. “The appeal of our league has become a real one. A lot of big players are coming here. It’s an exciting time for the league. It’s growing quick.
“This would be a new challenge for him. We’re hopeful he makes a decision to join us.”
Dave Zeitlin covers the Union for MLSsoccer.com. Email him at djzeitlin@gmail.com.
