Big Bucks: United's Gallardo Has Third-Highest Salary In MLS

DC United MF Marcelo Gallardo, the team's first player signed under MLS' designated player rule, will earn $1.87M this season, with the rest of the roster earning a combined $2.3M, according to MLS Players Union figures cited by Steven Goff of the WASHINGTON POST. Gallardo will receive $1.5M in base salary and an additional $374,000 as part of his guaranteed compensation. Gallardo is the highest-paid player in United history and has the third-largest salary in MLS this season behind Galaxy MF David Beckham, who earns $6.5M guaranteed and Fire F Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who earns $2.67M (WASHINGTON POST, 4/4). In Toronto, Larry Millson notes last year's MLS MVP United F Luciano Emilio is paid $265,000 in base salary and his guaranteed compensation is $313,125. Meanwhile, Galaxy F Landon Donovan makes $900,000 in base salary and his guaranteed compensation is the same (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 4/4). 

GALAXY: In N.Y., Jack Bell wrote Galaxy President & GM Alexi Lalas is "quickly evolving into the Isiah Thomas of MLS." The Galaxy, "like some other MLS teams, devotes a lion's share of its modest salary budget of about $2.4[M] to a handful of players," with 13 players on the team "splitting less than $750,000" (NYTIMES.com, 4/3).  

TOP FIVE: Below lists the five highest paid players in MLS. View the complete list of salaries.

NOTE: Figures for the Wizards F Claudio Lopez were not immediately available; he is expected to earn at least $1M (WASHINGTON POST, 4/4).