by DAVE MARTINEZ

Are the New York Red Bulls ready to splash some cash this summer?

Maybe, says popular Turkish outlet Haberler. The publication reports the New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake are targeting Trabzonspor striker Oscar Cardozo.

According to the report, Trabzonspor are looking for a transfer of the 33-year-old Paraguayan striker. The asking price is €5 million, but Haberler says the club is willing to “haggle” over that number.

The towering 6’4″ striker has enjoyed a sterling career, playing for Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, Benfica in Portugal and Trabzonspor in Turkey, among other teams. The one constant is his goal scoring ability. He net 21 goals in 33 appearances with Newell’s, 112 goals in 175 appearances with Benfica and has scored 25 goals in 50 appearances since 2014 with Trabzonspor. He has also earned 49 caps, scoring nine goals for Paraguay. He is also a proficient header of the ball, making him a solid option on set piece plays.

Nevertheless, there are reasons to be skeptical about the report. Under the Jesse Marsch, Ali Curtis regime, the Red Bulls have concentrated their investments on younger players. Yes, there have been exceptions to the rule. However, none come close to the multi-million dollar transfer fee required to pick up the 33-year-old Cardozo — another red flag. Currently, the Red Bulls count Bradley Wright-Phillips, Anatole Abang, Gonzalo Veron and Brandon Allen as their main options at striker. Though a shallow pool of talent, it is questionable to believe New York would look to reinforce that position this summer.

EoS could not confirm the veracity of this report at the time of publication.