By BRIAN LEWIS
April 18, 2007
The Red Bulls sifted through dozens of potential targets in their winter-long search for a striker, and finally landed the one they claim was their No. 1 choice yesterday when they unveiled Juan Pablo Angel.
They acquired the 31-year-old Colombian from Aston Villa on a free transfer, absorbing the last season of his $2 million deal and adding a second year. He'll likely be one of the MLS' top forwards and bolster the Bulls' title hopes.
"[Technical director] Jeff Agoos went through 50 names and I'd always say until we get a no from Juan Pablo I don't want to hear anybody else," said coach Bruce Arena.
"[He's] the player we always wanted. It seemed like it'd never happen. We could've signed 20 players already but we wanted the right kind of player."
The 6-foot-1 Angel is the kind of player the Villans bought for a club-record $18.8 million from River Plate, whose fans had worn angel wings to honor him. He scored 23 goals three years ago and had seven through Dec. 2, but hasn't scored since, with John Carew's January arrival cutting his time.
"It's been frustrating the last couple of months," said Angel, who started talking with Red Bull about three weeks ago and will join them when he gets his work visa in a few weeks.
"I wanted to go someplace to place regular football. The sooner, the better."
His aerial ability, athleticism and physical game stood up well in the Premier League, so he should adapt better to MLS than other Colombians who've struggled here in the past.
"Juan Pablo has the physical attributes and intellect of a world-class striker," said Agoos. "He's a natural leader with the ability to finish plays off, something we've been looking for."
To make room they'll trade defender Marvell Wynne to Toronto for a draft pick and allocation.
