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Is yet another Chivas USA player on his way out the door?
Reports from Argentina have it that forward Jose Correa has been registered by second division club Gimnasia de la Plata. At the moment, no details have emerged about whether it is a done deal, since Argentina's system is different than in most other countries.
Sam Kelly, a soccer writer based in Buenos Aires, explains the process succinctly on twitter:
In other words (1/2): transfer window shuts at 9pm tonight. Clubs can register players to negotiate now (which is most of what I'm tweeting)
— Sam Kelly (@HEGS_com) August 1, 2013
(2/2) Players registered tonight - requires official contact between club & player/current club - they have 1 week to agree contract.
— Sam Kelly (@HEGS_com) August 1, 2013
According to this article out of Argentina (Spanish), Correa has been registered by Gimnasia, but has not yet been signed. That means they are trying to add him and have a week to do so officially.
Although more upheaval is not really needed at Chivas USA, it is hard to dispute the perception that Correa has had a tough season for the Goats. He started brightly for the team last season after joining, scoring two goals in his first two league starts, including the decisive penalty against the LA Galaxy to break Chivas' five-year losing streak in the SuperClasico. He also scored a brace in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal round in 2012, earning player of the round honors for his performance in that match.
But from there, his playing time became spotty (despite the team's scoring woes), and Correa has never been the same player since. He has made 16 appearances so far this season, including 12 starts, but despite the regular playing time, has only scored one goal this season. That lack of production makes it difficult to really say he hasn't been given a fair shake, even despite the team falling apart around him for two seasons running.
I contacted Chivas USA about this story, and was told that they had no knowledge of Correa's departure, saying he has been present in training all week, and although he is not traveling to San Jose this week for the match, it is because he is still recovering from an injury.
So, we'll see if this rumor is just brand new and the various parties are getting caught up, or if Correa is not headed to Argentina after all. If developments arise, as always, we'll pass them along to you.
What do you think? Leave a comment below!