Kenny Cooper has been sold to German second division side TSV 1860 Munich, pending a medical exam, according to Soccernet.com

The deal was announced this morning but, per MLS policies, none of the terms of the deal were announced.

Here is the official statement by Dallas GM Michael Hitchcock:

“Kenny has been an outstanding player for us over the last four seasons as well as a tremendous ambassador for FC Dallas in his time with the club, and we wish him the best in Munich,” said general manager Michael Hitchcock in a press release. “Kenny indicated to us that he wanted to return to Europe when his contract expired next year. The timing of this transfer allows Kenny to continue his career overseas while providing our club with valuable resources for new acquisitions.”

There had been rumours that Kenny Cooper would be headed overseas but after the Bristol move fell through I thought Kenny would stick around until the end of the season.   FC Dallas has turned down offer after offer for Cooper so I was a little surprised to see something finally go through. 

Kenny Cooper came to MLS in 2006 after two unsuccessful years at Manchester United, mostly spent out on loan.  The Texas native had a break out year in 2008 scoring 14 goals for FC Dallas and attracting the interest of Cardiff City, Rosenborg, and Hibernian FC.  The club wouldn’t allow Kenny to leave club, much to his frustration. 

This season, Cooper looked to continue his 2008 form scoring 7 goals in 15 games before heading off to the Gold Cup.  He scored two goals for the US national team at the Gold Cup and earned himself a place on the all tournament team.

I think this is the right time for Kenny to head to Europe.  FC Dallas’s season is practically over and Cooper’s contract expires at the end of next season.  Cooper is at the peak of his value and it is a good business move to sell him.  FC Dallas needs to revamp the squad and the funds from Cooper’s sale will go a long way in doing that.

As for him going to a mid table 2nd division German side, it has its positives and negatives.  The good part is that he will have the opportunity to start playing right away.  The Germans like big strikers and Cooper’s skill is very good for someone his size, 6’3.  The German game will hopefully teach him how to use his body more effectively.  Additionally, doing well in the German second division probably gets you more recognition than doing well in MLS, even though the leagues are somewhat similar. 

The downside is that TSV 1860 Munich hasn’t been a strong side since they were relegated to the 2nd division.  They finished 12th last season, one spot worse than the previous season.  The club is financially weak and has a very young and inexperienced squad.  Additionally, players like Gregg Berhalter, Josh Wolff, and Taylor Twellman all played for the TSV 1860 but never moved on to bigger and better things, eventually ending up back in MLS.  That speaks to TSV’s ability to develop players or maybe to their focus on seeing Americans improve and move on. 

Cooper could be the exception.  He is a young, 24 years old, talented player with good physical tools.  This will be his second stint in Europe so he knows what to expect.  I think in the end this will be good for Cooper and the US national team.

What are your thoughts about Cooper’s move?  Disappointed he isn’t going to a Bundesliga club or at least a 2nd division side that is competing for promotion?

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