Ives: Reyna's Return Likely

Ives Galarcep writes on his blog, Soccer by Ives, that New York Red Bulls midfielder Claudio Reyna is leaning toward returning to play out the final year of his contract, even though there have been whispers of the club wanting to buy him out.
Reyna, 34, joined the Red Bulls from Manchester City before the beginning of the 2007 season as the team's first Designated Player. Former coach Bruce Arena was said to be instrumental in bringing the midfielder to MLS as Reyna played under Arena as captain of the U.S. national team for several years. Towards the end of their disappointing 2007 season, however, rumors had surfaced that there was a deep divide between Arena and several of his players, including Reyna.

Captain America did not score in his debut MLS season, adding just three assists in 21 games. He missed nine games with injuries, somewhat living up to his reputation as a fragile player, but will hopefully return healthy for his final professional season, so that he can ride into retirement on a high note.

That being said, there is still the possibility that the club will try to buy Reyna out so they can free up one of their two Designated Player spots if the option to sign another big-name player pops up. The Red Bulls have already succeeded in this area once before, signing Colombian forward Juan Pablo Angel to their other DP slot in early 2007. Angel went on to be one of the league's best players throughout the season, eventually finishing runner-up to Luciano Emilio for the MVP award.

With New York being an attractive city for foreign stars, anything is possible. Red Bulls fans, which player out there (realistically) would you like to see the club bring in for 2008?