Beckham in Real Madrid

Except that these days, the buzz about David Beckham has been instigated by a downturn in the player's own fortunes. The speculation, of course, centers around his soon-to-expire contract (summer 2007) with Spanish giants Real Madrid, what looks to be an increasingly permanent exclusion from the English national team and the loss of his previously untouchable first-team status with his club team.

If there's one thing you can count on in the world of soccer, it's that any piece of news involving David Beckham, no matter how seemingly insignificant, ultimately will end up being headline news.

It always has been a given, based on multiple statements from the player himself, that Beckham would play in MLS at some point in his career -- the more common assumption was that it would happen at a later date when Beckham was closer to calling it a day.

However, in light of recent events, MLS has a very real window of opportunity to sign the former English captain in the near future. With the new implementation of the Designated Player Rule allowing MLS teams to potentially add as many as two players per team (although one would have to be via trade) irrespective of salary cap, the league finally has the capability to make it happen.

Even so, the prospect of Beckham in MLS has brought the obligatory naysayers out of the woodwork. Looking at the pros and cons, it's hard to see much substance in the negative connotations some believe his signing would bring.

Fact or Fiction

1. Beckham's signing will lead to the type of fiscal irresponsibility and competitive imbalance that doomed NASL.

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