It has been revealed today that Hibs striker Derek Riordan has missed out on a move to the MLS.
Houston Dynamo wanted to sign the 28-year-old as one of their three “designated players”, allowing Riordan to dodge the MLS salary cap, and earn big wages in the U.S. According to reports in today’s tabloids the move broke down as the Dynamo wanted to sign the player now, with six weeks still left on his contract, it would have meant a transfer fee going to the Hibees, and making the deal more expensive for the Houston club. Riordan is apparently open to playing in the MLS, and with his contract at Easter Road up this summer; it seems the U.S could be a possibility if he fails to sign a new deal at Easter Road. The Scotland international is currently in his second spell at Easter Road, after returning to the club in a £400,000 deal from Celtic in 2008, and has scored 106 goals for the club over both spells. Riordan wouldn’t be the first player to sign for the Dynamo from the Hibees. Paul Dalglish left Leith and signed for the MLS side in 2006, and won the MLS Cup that same season, and then retained the trophy the following season.
Dalglish then went on to become Houston Dynamo assistant manager, he then left in 2009, for a short stint as FC Tampa Bay manager in 2010.