FC Dallas forward Kenny Cooper will stay in Dallas, for now

by Erin Rice

In an official statement released today by FC Dallas, General Manager Michael Hitchcock said:

“We received offers from multiple international clubs for Kenny Cooper during this transfer window, but we elected to decline them all. The international interest is a credit to Kenny, FC Dallas, and the ever increasing talent level in Major League Soccer.

“Winning championships is our priority, and we feel strongly that Kenny will continue to be an important part of our success as we compete for the MLS Cup this year and in the future.”

The 6'3" forward has received two public offers from international sources: a transfer package totaling $3 million from Norway’s Rosenborg and hints at a potential $4 million from Cardiff City. Cooper, who declined to comment on the transfer news after FCD's 4-0 win over L.A. on Sunday, has been a bit coy for a couple weeks now when questions regarding the transfer window have come up. The international transfer window for the MLS opened on July 15 and will close on August 15.

Currently, Cooper has two years left on his MLS contract, which pays $100,000 a year. Amid all the international attention, however, the league has offered to up the deal to about $300,000 a year, approaching $400,000 with incentives (Crystal cleats? What the heck are these incentives?). However, at this time, the MLS is declining to comment on whether that deal has been put into place. Today all they're saying is that Cooper's not for sale.

FC Dallas will hold onto its native son, for now. During the All-Star weekend, MLS Commissioner Don Garber assured Cooper and his family that the league would allow him to transfer if he wanted. So can we assume that Cooper wanted to stay? FCD's playoff chances are certainly counting on it.