LA Galaxy forward Edson Buddle has had a terrific year, one that is still not over. The 2010 MLS MVP finalist is currently in England, where he is on trial with Birmingham City on the English Premier League.
Though Buddle has seen his trial with Birmingham City extended through next Wednesday, LA Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena is confident his out-of-contract star striker will be back in MLS next season.
“We expect to sign Edson to a new contract,” Arena told MLSSoccer.com’s ExtraTime Radio on Thursday.
LISTEN: Arena talks Buddle's future on ExtraTime Radio
This is not the first time Buddle has drawn interest from teams in Europe. The 29-year-old New York City-area native had serious interest from Norwegian side Frerikstad FK in 2006 while with Toronto FC.
Buddle is expected to be back stateside once his trial ends around Dec. 22.
On Wednesday, the Galaxy landed the rights to former New York Red Bulls Designated Player Juan Pablo Ángel during Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Process, leading some to speculate if Buddle would return in 2011—Arena quickly shot down those rumors.
“We would anticipate Edson signing a new deal and I would have no problem playing those two players (Buddle and Ángel) together,” he told the show’s hosts. “I don’t see them being the same player. They are two potential target forwards, but I suspect those two will do quite well together.”
Information from MLSSoccer.com's
Greg Seltzer was used in this report.
