Juan Pablo Angel Signs With Red Bull New York

Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel has officially been introduced as the newest member of Red Bull New York. Angel, a 31-year-old Colombian, should be able to play within two weeks, with the delay due to getting government paperwork in order.

"I'm extremely excited about this opportunity," said Angel. "All the big names going to the league... When I had the opportunity to talk to Bruce [Arena], I wanted to be a part of what they were trying to do."

Angel should help attract new fans to the team from New York City's large Colombian population. He is a regular on his country's national team, which has played in New York 10 times since 1996.

Touched by an Angel?

According to SoccerAmerica.com, Red Bull New York is in negotiations to bring Juan Pablo Angel to the club from EPL side Aston Villa. RBNY is reportedly offering the Colombian striker around $2-million/year, which is far less than the $4.92-million/year being offered by Angel's old Argentine club River Plate. Red Bull has negotiated a transfer fee with Aston Villa, but has yet to reach terms with Angel.

The article also speculates that Angel, 31, could just be using MLS as a bargaining chip. He said recently that he'd like to stay in England for a few more years and was on his way to Arsenal but the transfer fee couldn't be agreed upon.