LEHI, Utah – Real Salt Lake general manager Garth Lagerwey says that although the club is only in talks with Robbie Findley about a contract beyond this season, the club and its star striker are engaging in open conversations about what the future holds.
Findley's contract expires at the end of the season, and both Lagerwey and the World Cup star have stated that there has been interest from Europe in acquiring the speedy forward’s services.
The team has received formal offers for Findley which have included transfer fees, but nothing that has required serious consideration.
“We have a good open dialogue – a good discussion, and we’re both being honest with each other," Lagerwey said.
Lagerwey's comments come nearly 13 months after former RSL star Yura Movisisyan signed a pre-contract with Danish side Randers FC in July 2009. Movsisyan visited the Danish club last summer, but he surprised RSL when they learned from an Internet photo that Movsisyan had signed a new contract to play in Denmark.
Findley, who was previously represented by Movsisyan's agent, Patrick McCabe, said he doesn't expect any such actions this time around.
“I don’t know exactly what went on with that,” Findley said of the Movsisyan situtation. “The way we have handled it – me talking to Garth and the coaching staff – I told them if I was going to make my mind up or do anything, I would let them know before I told anyone else.”
Added Lagerwey: “I don’t expect to see a picture of him on the Internet holding someone else’s jersey.”
Findley parted ways with McCabe just prior to his appearance with the US team in the World Cup, where he started three matches up top for Bob Bradley's side. According to Findley it was “just time for a change.”
Findley has four goals and two assists in 13 games this season for RSL, including one in the club's 3-0 win over D.C. United on Saturday. Both sides agree the key to the situation is to have a mutual trust.
“I think we have some honesty there, and we respect each other,” Findley said.
Findley said that although he's received interest from international clubs, he has not made any commitments regarding his future.
“There have been a few teams that have come forward and expressed interest," Findley said, "but I’m still waiting to see how things go here, how the season finishes up, and stuff like that."
