MLS: Real Salt Lake signing Giuseppe Rossi a step backwards

Real Salt Lake are reportedly considering signing Giuseppe Rossi on a free transfer. Acquiring the 33-year-old, however, would be a major step back for MLS.

This offseason, Major League Soccer saw a very focused, purposeful and progressive shift in transfer approach: get younger.

Whereas in previous years clubs have looked to use the three Designated Player slots to sign big-name European stars who are nearing the end of their playing careers, this year, teams have seen the success of the likes of Atlanta United and Los Angeles FC and made a concerted effort to sign younger DPs.

As greater investment has swept through MLS at an unseen rate, several teams breaking their transfer records to add…