Yes it does, regardless of citizenship. Basically, teams are given 2 exceptions and may trade to get up to one more from a team that isn't using theirs. The 1st exception counts as $400k of the approx $2,500k salary cap. The second exception counts as $325k. Beyond that amount teams may pay any amount they like as a salary. In Beckham's case, he makes about $6,500k, $400k of which is in the salary cap. Notably, the $400k is paid by MLS, the remaining $6,100k is paid by the Galaxy's owners AEG.
That sounds like quite a sensible system. Keeps the salaries manageable yet doesn't preclude signing the big names to up the media and fan interest.
Sensible business plan, but I'll be damned if the last several MLS cup winning teams didn't bother with Ljunbergs, Henrys or Beckhams. The theory is that you can do better with a $400k roster hit by getting three or four solid American players rather than one ex-Prem player that will however attract ridonkulous ticket sales. Houston, New England, Real Salt Lake, Columbus and Colorado have no notable "Designated Player" yet those are the Champions of the Designated Player era.
Someone I trust has told me Beckham has a £1.5m release clause, perhaps we can use the DG money and the Ashley Young warchest to tempt him
you tease, can always sit in the East stand and tell people if youre uncomfortable talking in the chairman's office
tbh not much more that i could add to the original post in the thread, apart from the fact that there might actually be some truth to it.
when did i ever say 2.5m? if you check back tht was ron burgundy, im led to believe the release clause is 3.5m. edit: no this actually from someone different.
I heard that Becks wanted to get involved in the Watford academy in some way. Nothing about investing or playing though.
jb check your pms mate. i have no idea whether this is true or not, but i believe it far more this evening than i did this morning.
