Raul and New York Cosmos Agree to Contract: Latest Details, Reaction, Analysis

Latest Update from Thursday, Oct. 30

The New York Cosmos have officially confirmed the capture of Real Madrid legend Raul.

The North American Soccer League outfit posted the following tweet:

Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl provides additional detail regarding Raul's role:

Original Article from Monday, Oct. 20

The United States has once again demonstrated its pulling power when it comes to seasoned stars with the news that Raul is on his way to becoming a New York Cosmos player.

Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC reports that terms have been put in place for the Spanish legend to join the New York franchise in time for the 2015 season, with a contract supposedly signed:

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The Spanish icon is expected to sign the contract as soon as this week and will join the NASL club in time for the 2015 spring season. He will also head up the Cosmos' youth academy, which is expected to launch next year. While Raul's exact salary is not known, the source said that the player has signed a multi-year deal.

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The North American Soccer League is the second tier of football in the United States, but the Cosmos have held an ambition to become New York's third soccer franchise after the New York Red Bulls and the newly introduced New York City F.C..

Earlier this month, Dutch football expert Michiel Jongsma expounded upon the club's ambitions, which apparently concern another legend in the form of Demy De Zeeuw:

Raul is Real Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer after netting 323 times during a 16-year tenure at the Bernabeu. Since leaving the Spanish capital in 2010, he's gone on to represent Schalke and Qatari side Al Sadd.

Although far past his prime at the age of 37, Raul still offers some value in front of goal, but would be a sensational marketing tool more than anything else, arguably on par with another Cosmos hero of the 1970s, Pele.