What started as Twitter rumor a couple days ago has become an official signing. The New York Red Bulls today announced the signing of Australian attacking midfielder Tim Cahill from Everton. Cahill will become the team's third Designated Player, joining Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez.
Cahill was at training today with the team, sporting his familiar #17 as he participated in light workouts. He won't officially join the roster until he receives his P-1 work visa and international transfer certificate, standard operating procedure. If the paperwork comes through quick enough, he could be available for selection as soon as this weekend.
The club announced the signing via press release on their website today.
Red Bulls GM and Sporting Director Erik Soler expressed his excitement about the signing in the press release.
"We are absolutely thrilled to bring in a player of Tim's caliber to the Red Bulls, he is the technical, physical presence we have been looking to add in our team and he brings a wealth of experience to our club having played in some of the highest levels of international soccer. Tim is a proven leader both on and off the field and we believe that he can help us immediately in our quest to win the MLS Cup this season."
Cahill also provided a quote for the release, dropping all the usual talking points you'd expect.
"I am very happy to start a new chapter of my career with the New York Red Bulls, as we have seen over the past few years, MLS has developed into a very competitive league with many talented players. I am impressed with what the Red Bulls are trying to accomplish in MLS and within American soccer and I am looking forward to this new challenge. I will do everything I can to help bring New York its first MLS Cup."
He'll be officially introduced to the media on Monday at a press conference.
Cahill has spent the last eight season with Everton, making 278 appearances for the Toffees and scoring 68 goals. In the process he's become a club legend among the fans. He also featured for Australia in the 2006 and 2010 World Cup.
As always, terms of the deal were not released, but last night on Twitter, Ives Garcelep reported that Cahill's deal was for 3.5 years and worth $3.5 million per season.
RT @FOXSoccerTrax: Sources tell FOX Soccer that Tim Cahill's NY Red Bulls contract is 3.5 years, at $3.5 million per season. (@soccerbyives)
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 26, 2012