• Football

Clint Dempsey now worth more than David Beckham

ESPN staff
August 3, 2013
Clint Dempsey is set to leave Tottenham after just one season © Getty Images
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Clint Dempsey has signed a deal with MLS side the Seattle Sounders which will make him better paid than David Beckham was.

Spurs confirmed the news of the United States captain's departure in a brief statement, adding: "We wish Clint every success for the future."

The fee is believed to be in the region of £6 million, an MLS transfer record, while Dempsey's reported salary of £28 million over four years would also be the largest sum in MLS history as Beckham was paid the same amount by LA Galaxy but stretched over five years.

The 30-year-old asked for a move after Tottenham coach Andre Villas-Boas revealed he is keen to add to his attacking line-up, starting with the imminent arrival of Valencia striker Roberto Soldado.

Dempsey is to be presented before Seattle's match against FC Dallas on Saturday, as his new club's Twitter feed hinted.

Seattle's west coast rivals LA Galaxy were also reportedly interested but Dempsey preferred a switch to the Sounders, where an MLS-high 40,000 fans are in attendance for each home game.

Dempsey played for the New England Revolution for two years before moving to Fulham in January 2007. He then swapped Craven Cottage for Spurs a year ago and scored seven Premier League goals in 29 games. He is also the second-highest scorer in the US national team's history with 35.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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