MLS star Albert Rusnak is now available on a free transfer after Premier League pair Newcastle United and Southampton expressed an interest.
Just because Newcastle have more money than King Croesus after a Thunderball win these days, that does not mean Eddie Howe will be free to simply buy his way out of trouble.
According to The Telegraph, the club’s Saudi Arabian owners have set aside just £50 million for the January transfer window.
Assuming half of a rather restrictive warchest will be spent on Atletico Madrid’s England international Kieran Trippier, that does not leave much left for a club crying out for reinforcements at left-back, centre-half, central midfield and in attack (Guardian).
Rusnak’s availability, on a free transfer no less, could come in very handy then.
Is Albert Rusnak heading to the Premier League?
The Daily Mail reported in December that Rusnak, a former Manchester City youngster, had played his way onto the respective radars of not only Newcastle United but also Southampton.
The 27-year-old Slovakian was entering the final few weeks of his Real Salt Lake contract at the time and that deal has now since expired.
Rusnak, who captained Real Salt Lake last season, admitted recently that he would ‘love to stay’ with the Utah-based outfit but, so far, no agreement has been reached.
After failing to make the grade at Manchester City – there is no shame in that of course, given the treasure trove of talent at the Etihad Stadium – Rusnak would surely be tempted by the opportunity to belatedly make a name for himself on the other side of the Atlantic.
A versatile attacking midfielder who dazzled in the Eredivisie before becoming a household name in the USA, Rusnak produced 11 goals and seven assists in the 2021 MLS season.
Though, as Newcastle’s own Miguel Almiron will tell you, a remarkable track record in the States is not easily replicated on British soil.
“Albert is a player that I know well,” Newcastle legend Lee Clark said back in 2014 after signing Rusnak on loan for Birmingham City.
“He plays in the Jesse Lingard role and is a similar type of player. I am really excited to have him.
“I spoke to (former City youth coach) Patrick Vieira and he has really high hopes for him and believes he will be among Manchester City’s array of mega-talent in their first-team squad next season.”
Vieira may have been wide of the mark there. But, eight years on, Rusnak could return to England a far better, more mature footballer.
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