Posted by Stephen Kuzner

By Stephen Kuzner - WFD Fan Correspondent

Well it's the silly season so I figured I'd start some silliness. As of this writing, it looks like Cesc-gate will not end with Cesc Fàbregas in Barcelona until next summer at the earliest, so why not Landon Donovan to FC Barcelona? On the surface, this sounds kind of crazy, but would it be?

A key to Barcelona's depth the past few years was having players that can fill-in at a number of positions. Andrés Iniesta gets hurt more and more often. Although Xavi doesn't need a replacement for a year or two or three, some depth is needed. This short-term need for a little depth coupled with a long-term eventual replacement for Xavi is why Barcelona has become ob-Cesc'd.

The past few years, Barcelona had several youth players step-up and add some depth to the first team, i.e. Pedro and Sergio Busquets. Right now, I don't see one popping-up this year better than Donovan. Sorry Jeffrén Suárez and Jonathan Dos santos. There is a need for another player of this type in the near-term at Barcelona. Signing a flexible mid-fielder that can slot in at a number of different positions would come in handy this year.

Landon Donovan can fill this role. €14m-ish is workable for MLS and Barcelona.

I am I missing something here? Is Donovan not good enough to make it at Barcelona? Would Donovan be ok with being a squad player for the likely favorites for the UEFA Champion's League? Or would he rather be part of the starting 11 of a Premiership, Europa League or lesser Champions League side? Maybe, €14m would not be viable for the new penny-pinching Sandro Rosell-led Barcelona?

The thing is this is a short-term need, Donovan can fill it, and he probably could be signed at a price both teams could agree upon. In terms of the business that would have to take place, MLS and Barcelona are in a good place with the recent moves of Thierry Henry and Rafael Márquez to the MLS. There's a lot more conversation going on here than between Arsenal and Barcelona. The lines of communication are open and the there's plenty left in the €50M Kitty. This kind of move would also benefit the MLS publicity-wise in moving one of its players to a perennial UEFA Champion's League semi-finalist and winner. Plus, Donovan could be back in MLS in 2-3 years.

Donovan would fit well into the Barca rhythm of "Offer, Receive, Pass" and do it again, and again, and again. He's tidy, quick, and smart. His first touch would be up to the task. He can play on either side or up front. He even speaks Spanish. He's America's best and this may be his last chance for a big move since he is 28. The question is: Am I the only person thinking this?



Please send any feedback to skuzner@gmail.com.