Report: Despite the noise, New York City still favorites to sign Andrea Pirlo

With the European season in the books following Barcelona's 3-1 Champions League victory over Andrea Pirlo and Juventus, the Silly Season is now permitted to ratchet up to full force!

To be fair, this story -- like the dog that follows you to school -- is still charming despite it all.

The Sydney Morning Herald announced today that A-League side Sydney FC was prepared to splash the cash this summer, with Pirlo at the top of the list. As SMH's Dominic Bossi wrote:

Italian football icon Andrea Pirlo could be playing in the A-League next season, with representatives of the Juventus star planning to  meet with clubs over a proposed move next season.

Representatives of Sydney FC and Pirlo are set to meet on Tuesday to discuss a potential move to the Harbour City to become the club's new marquee player.

Sydney FC employed former Italy star Alessandro del Piero from 2012 to 2014, during which he nailed down 24 goals in 48 appearances.

Not to be outdone on the Silly Season Scorecard, ESPN FC released their own report this morning from Pete O'Rourke, acknowledging the Sydney story but reasserting New York City's status as team-most-likely-to:

New York City FC are in pole position to sign Andrea Pirlo with the Juventus star set to choose the MLS side over Sydney FC, sources have told ESPN FC.

Aha! It's settled, then!

Is it?

It's a far better plan to embrace the Silly Season -- to lean into it with the Cheshirest of Chesire Cat grins -- than attempt to beat on against the current.

Embrace the obscured messaging, contradictory reports, and shade-throwing.

Embrace the pundits with the nerve to suggest that Andrea Pirlo "doesn't fit" with New York City FC.

Embrace the Silly, and it will embrace you. With tongue, sometimes. Be ready for that.