Albert Rusnak has confirmed his departure from MLS outfit Real Salt Lake as Premier League pair Newcastle United and Southampton consider bids for the free-agent, speaking on his official Instagram page.
Only a few weeks ago, the Slovakia international admitted that he wanted to stay at the Rio Tinto Stadium. But, for whatever reason, an agreement over a new deal could not be reached.
Rusnak, the club’s captain, talisman and 11-goal midfielder, is now beginning his search for employment elsewhere. And one would assume that he will not be short of offers.
According to The Mail in December, Newcastle and Southampton are considering moves to bring the one-time Manchester City starlet back to the Premier League.
And, given the nature of Newcastle’s latest FA Cup defeat to lower league opposition (after a decade of humiliation in the world’s oldest cup competition, could their 1-0 home defeat against third-tier Cambridge really be described as an ‘upset’) a player of Rusnak’s match-changing potential would be welcomed with open arms at St James’ Park.
Will Newcastle or Southampton sign Albert Rusnak?
“I want to take the time to let everyone know that the last five years playing in front of you and representing the Claret-and-Cobalt (Real Salt Lake) has truly been an honour,” says Rusnak, who shone in the Netherlands with Cambuur and Groningen before moving to the USA.
“My time at Real Salt Lake is done. And while it is now time to say goodbye, please know that I will cherish our memories, how we overcame many obstacles, in the face of immeasurable odds.
“Thank you for your passion, support and the love you expressed to me, my family and the team.”
A free-agent from the MLS is not exactly the kind of game-changing marquee signing Newcastle supporters may have been dreaming of when those Saudi Arabian billionaires completed their long-awaited takeover in the autumn.
But just because Newcastle have more money than King Croesus after a successful evening at the Bingo, that does not mean they should lose sight of value.
And Rusnak on a free is exactly that; good value.
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