Is Matt Besler The One Holding Things Up?

It is no secret that the hottest rumor of the MLS transfer window is "Where will Matt Besler end up? It's common knowledge that the young US Men's National Team star loves playing at home and that leaving was never in the plans. Even with all the hype and the money, leaving still doesn't appear to be in the plans for Besler. Since his international success, Besler, in interviews and his Twitter account, has commented that it was his dream to play his entire career in Kansas City. At times it almost sounded like he was trying to convince himself to leave and chase the money instead of staying put. Potential playing time has been another source of contention for his transfer, as a move to ride the bench in Europe is more detrimental to a player's career than staying in a weaker league and playing.

To add to the turmoil, USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann has expressed the desire to see his players better themselves in other leagues besides MLS where the competition is stronger. There is no doubt that Besler would benefit greatly from a move like this, if he gets playing time and plays consistently.

It was announced this week that a decision will be made by Monday so both parties can get on with business as needed. If Besler is sold, he will have time to settle in Europe before meeting with his new club, while Sporting will know if they need to target a replacement for their captain and starting center back during the current transfer window. This news also comes as a relief to many fans as the anxiety has grown.

As interest from Europe grew, Sporting started fielding offers. It appears the club is looking for approximately $5-$6 million dollars in transfer fees for the young star and with 10 clubs interested in signing him, that amount doesn't seem unreasonable. English clubs Fulham and Sunderland appear to be willing to pay that and both are in need of quality in the back. Besler would almost certainly be guaranteed playing time at either club.

Since the loss of Roger Espinoza to Wigan, Robb Heinemann, president of Sporting, has been open with fans about fulfilling the desires of the players while helping the team. Espinoza left on a costless transfer which angered fans that such a key piece left with nothing in return. When Kei Kamara left for Middlesboro, fans were not happy, but Heinemann was quick to point out that the sale was in the best interest of both parties and that the fans would see all the money from the sale be put back into the club. He again followed suit with Uri Rosell's transfer this season.

Knowing the stance of the club on player transactions, it has been assumed the decision is all Matt Besler's, but that may not be the case. Since he is still under contract, Sporting does have the right to sell him without consent since he does not have a no-trade clause. While this goes against what fans have come to expect from the club, the offers might be too good to pass up. The high transfer fee may have been requested to deter offers as well as guarantee a fair value and not really an expected sum. If clubs are matching or exceeding this mark, it might be in Sporting's best interest to sell if Besler can find a way to be happy in Europe. While a move like this might anger fans, the organization has always had them in mind when making transactions. It is also key to note that Sporting did not directly say Besler needed to decide, but rather a decision will be made. This is a collective arrangement and has been from the start.

$6 million dollars, 30 seasons' salary for Besler, goes a long ways in MLS. Besler knows this as well as anyone. His attempts to want to leave home might be his way of trying to do what is best for the club he will always be part of. Selling Besler against his wishes would be the worst thing SKC could do in this situation. The fans do not want to see him go and he does not appear to be set on leaving. One can only hope, for the sake of the fans, Matt, and Sporting, that this decision is not being made solely on money.

Regardless of the circumstances, Saturday's matchup with the Los Angeles Galaxy may be the last game Besler plays for Sporting and the only one since the World Cup. Tickets for LA are usually hard to come by since it is Landon Donovan and Los Angeles, but they might be even more difficult knowing that this might be the last time to see Besler suit up for his home town.