Atiba Hutchinson can negotiate new deal in January: And he’s open to MLS move

Atiba Hutchinson PHOTO: CANADA SOCCER

Atiba Hutchinson, named Canada’s player of the year on Thursday, is nearing the end of his contract with Turkish giants, Besiktas. In January, he can start negotiating with other clubs unless his contract is extended before that time.

And, the Canadian says that he wants to stay, but he’s also open to moving on if the opportunity was right — and that would include Major League Soccer.

When asked if he’d consider talking to an MLS side in January, Hutchinson said “yes, especially if it was in Canada. I’m open to it if the interest comes, if things can work out and do what’s best for everybody.”

But, he said he’s really enjoyed his time with Besiktas. He said it’s the first time in three or four years that he’s regularly playing in his natural midfield position, and he feels that, at 31 years of age, he’s at his peak as a player. He said the fans in Turkey have treated him very well.

“I am open to staying here (at Besiktas) if things play out that way,” Hutchinson said. “Unless something exciting came up, if it was the Premier League or one of the other big European leagues.”

For the last few weeks, there have been stories in English and Turkish papers linking Hutchinson with a January move to West Ham United. Hutchinson said that’s it’s impossible to ignore the press.

“Sometimes it’s hard to hear the rumours. And some of it is just rumours. And, some of the time, there’s more to it.”

Of course, being under contract to Besiktas — and it isn’t January, yet — Hutchinson had to be cautious with his words. But, with his stated enthusiasm for the Premier League, he hasn’t thrown any water on the West Ham rumours. And, now, Whitecaps, Impact and Toronto FC fans can wonder if a swoop for Hutch could be pulled off.