Photo by ISIphotos.com
According to reports from Europe, U.S. national team star and Los Angeles Galaxy striker Landon Donovan is close to heading to France this winter.
According to the French soccer website 10sport, Donovan is on the verge of a move to Paris St. Germain after the current MLS season. Reports suggest that an official announcement is coming shortly. Whether the move will be a loan or a transfer remains unclear, though one source tells SBI it could be either at this point as negotiations are still on-going.
The proposed move would mark the second straight winter Donovan has spent in Europe after being loaned out to Bayern Munich last January. Donovan would join fellow U.S. national team players Carlos Bocanegra and Charlie Davies in Ligue 1.
Paris St. Germain finished in sixth place in Ligue 1 last season, one spot away from Europa League qualification.
What do you think of Donovan heading to France? Think it's a good fit for him? Disappointed that he's not heading to somewhere like Spain or England? Think another loan makes sense considering the World Cup is next summer?
Share your thoughts below.
Wack video baba
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcUOQ3upxGY
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just enjoy here the real psg’s fans
Just want to weigh in and say the marc hating has gone a little overboard… dude just had an opinion and was trying to keep things peaceful. talk about a mob mentality, there was no need to gang up on him like that.
on topic now, i don’t know much about the french league or PSG but i do know that the (former) great Ronaldinho plied his trade there, and therefore should be a fantastic move for Donovan. I certainly hope he can slot in and start, even if not immediately. Question though, are they interesting in using him as a forward or as a wide midfielder, a la Confed Cup Landon?
I’m confused – how could he be “loaned” to PSG if his contract with MLS is about to end. Who would loan him?
P.S. : There’s NO WAY Donovan can be better than Sessegnon, the guy’s a genius! And he’s not better than Giuly, Erding or Hoarau.
I think that if he comes, he’ll be the substitute of Giuly, who’s getting old and surely won’t play all the games. So he definitely will play.
Kezman is just one of the worst football player I’ve ever seen, he sucks so much!
Maurice and Partouche are too young to reveal their full potential, and Luyindula isn’t really good… So Donovan would be ahead of them in the hierarchy of the forwards.
If Donovan is a good footballer and he respects the supporters, then he will be respected.
PARIS SAINT GERMAIN POUR LA VIE
he really just has to play in a more competitive league then the mls. fighting against players from lyon, marseille, bordeaux etc. great move for him cause i admire him and he improve his qualities with psg no doubt
Okay, I’m sorry but I have to react, because I can’t take your posts anymore (I’m talking tp Marc).
I’m Parisian, PSG fan and French of african origin (by my father). I was at the “Parc des Princes” last saturday for our game against Le Mans.
First, you must know that the “racist supporters” you’re talking about are a few among many. There are two supporter kops in our stadium:
-The Kop of Boulogne, in which indeed it’s unusual to find black or arabic (or whatever) people. But the nationalist fans are gathered at the bottom of the kop only, and it’s been a long time they didn’t make any trouble.
-On the other side you have Auteuil, in which you can see every possible kind of people. That’s where I usually sit when I go watch a game.
A lot of fights took place in or around the Parc between the “racist fans” you were talking about and the fans from Auteuil (It’s important to know that there are a lot of guys from suburbs, mostly black and arabic, at the bottom of the Auteuil block).
Just so you understand that the fans you talk about aren’t a significant of the PSG fans. Btw, as someone said earlier on this thread, the Parc des Princes is simply the best stadium in France, and one of the best in Europe.
Other point: the Ligue 1 has become better than the Bundesliga. Wolfsburg (german champion) came to the Parc a few month ago and we kicked their ass.
Last thing: If Donovan is as good as you say (and if he comes to PSG), we’ll have a sick midfield… Donovan-Clément-Makélélé-Sessegnon. I’ve seen LD was quite fast and technnical, that’s what we look for, Rothen was so slow it’d make any football fan cry.
With Sessegnon AND Donovan to bring creativity in the game, Hoarau and Erding would score more goals than ever. And we would be one of the best team in Ligue 1. Last season, a few weeks before the end we were 3rd, and we could be 1st if we’d won our game against Marseille. Unfortunately we didn’t, and we made a shitty finish. That explanes the 6th place.
Normally we sould be at least in the top 4.
As a fan of American soccer and MLS it drives me nuts reading these Euro snob comments. Would Landon become a better player playing in Ligue 1 vs MLS? Perhaps. But the reason all these Euro snob posters who usually bag on him as a player all of the sudden want him to leave the MLS is because he is playing unbelievable right now and guess what league has him playing at an all time high level. Not EPL, La Liga, Serie A or Ligue 1. MLS. The guy was overseas earlier in his career and struggled and MLS has helped him regain his confidence and developed him as the player he has come to be. It probably eats at a lot of these Americans that don’t want to see the MLS succeed because it would drive them nuts for the US to actually have a good soccer/football league that develops there players instead of the multi-million dollar leagues of the world. It also probably eats at them because the best player on the US National team is not in good form from a European league but from an American one and I’m not an LA fan saying this.
This would be a great move for Donovan. PSG are building a strong sqaud, that this season could be qualifying for Europe. With star players like Makelele, Keman, Giuly, and Coupet, this team could have what it takes to be a top 4 in France. The addition of Donovan teaming up front with Kezman or Erdinc or who ever could lead to Donovan getting some much needed European compatition. You cant complain about a start player from the MLS, going to a team that you could see in the Champions League group stages for a couple seasons. Maybe Donovan can finish on a high with the Galaxy and end with a high with PSG. This is what USMNT fans should be excited for, becuase with this move, it could help the national team in the world cup.
Are you guys kidding me with Giuly? The truth is Donovan is the exact same player as him, except younger, faster…and for what it’s worth taller. I think Donovan adds more with his posistion versatility as well.
the substantial amount of racist fans at PSG dont deserve Donovan’s quality. Play elsewhere Landon!
Landon Donovan will definitely not be getting much playing time if he does come to PSG. The forward line is Guillaume Hoarau (17 goals in Ligue 1 last season, definite starter), Ludovic Giuly (Carried Monaco to Champions League final 03/04, was key for Barca in 06, etc.), Mevlut Erding (talented young Turkish striker, scored 11 goals last season), Mateja Kezman (Former Chelsea and Atletico player, Serbian international), and Peguy Luyindula (Former Lyon and Marseille player, French international). I think he’d fit in towards the end of that.
Jao and Lolo:
I don’t think you have watched much of Donovan. He is far better than Giuly, Rothen, Luyindula, probably Sessegnon . . . you seem blinded by the fact that he has not proven himself in Europe. Many good players don’t play in Europe; many so-so players play in Europe.
Posted by: BCC | August 21, 2009 at 09:36 PM
Dude,
I’ve been watching Donovan since he and Beasley were with the u-17’s so don’t tell me I don’t watch him. Just because you guys see him turn it on in MLS, you think he’s so great. He wasn’t even the best player on the US squad in the confeds cup. You think he’s better than all those guys? obviously you don’t watch them enough. PSG is not the Galaxy. Those players are way better and have been playing against top teams and players for years.
I heard a story like this from a club in Italy. This is probably just a rumor or wishful thinking.
With Andy Johnson’s less-than-expected contribution and Bobby Zamora being out of favor, I’d love to see Landon play at Fulham next season. He’d get first-team minutes on a top-ten Prem side with a history of terrific support for American players.
Jao and Lolo:
I don’t think you have watched much of Donovan. He is far better than Giuly, Rothen, Luyindula, probably Sessegnon . . . you seem blinded by the fact that he has not proven himself in Europe. Many good players don’t play in Europe; many so-so players play in Europe.
“And I assume the “as long as he plays” comments are tongue in cheek in this case. He should slot right in for PSG (who must be like, what… the 5th or 6th best club in Ligue 1 right now?)”
ehhh…yeah. PSG are arguably the biggest club in France, or at least they could be. They’re the Chelsea of France. It’s a very good move for Landon Donovan.
PSG doesn’t have racial elements INSIDE THEIR CLUB, just a couple of groups of some seriously far-right wing, extremist-type supporters and not just the Boulogne Boys, which seems to be floating around here. Also, the Boulogne Boys operate on a strict code and from what I heard of the banner situation the Boulogne Boys up top had no clue this was going to happen. It as simply a “the good has to suffer for the bad” moment or maybe even three strikes your out as I have seen far worst banners from them and other supporters groups in France
Anyway, if it happens then more than likely PSG will just be attempting to capitalize on Donovan’s American following. He’d honestly be nothing more than a first-guy-off-the-bench type player. To all you guys saying “Donovan could do better”, turn off the blinkers. The guy can’t do better.
I rate Erdinc, Giuly, Sessegnon, and Hoarau, wayyyyyyyyyyy ahead of him. I’d even rate youngsters Partouche and Maurice on par with him, except Donovan has more international experience. With Rothen and Kezman likely on there way out, maybe PSG are looking at Donovan as cover for if Giuly, Luyindula, or Hoarau go down. Either way, Donovan is no way in hell a clear cut starter and I can just imagine him going head-to-head against stronger mids like Moussa Sissoko, Matuidi, M’Bia, Makoun, Toulalan, Capoue, Alou Diarra, etc.,
Saying all that, Sport10 isn’t really legit. Until I see a report on L’Equipe, France Football, hell even one of the 365 sites, then I won’t believe it.
Donovan probably prefers Fascism to Communism…Better move than Livorno…
I really don’t understand why some people think Landon is so good that he can walk into any team and start. The players at PSG are in the team for a reason. He’ll have to fight his way into the team like anyone else. All those people who keep saying he’s going to get plenty of playing time, please tell me who he’s going to depose, Guily? Sessegnon? I mean c’mon people. Do you even watch the French league? PSG is a big club, not Rennes.
@Al17 …
Where is Rothen? Love that guy! Good left foot. Pretty versatile!
@ Japan
“I’m also worried about him not getting any rest. Other than that, I’m all for it.”
He should get plenty of rests …
MLS season is over in Nov.
Transfer window opens January …
And there is no garuntee the Gal’s make it to the final. His vacation may start much sooner.
Minimum 6 weeks.
Max 9 weeks!
Plenty of rest.
Also he is not guaranteed to play every week.
But what about May-hee-co!!!!?
Actually, he should join Sochaux.
RG and Fig:
It was established pretty early on that this news is speculative. No one is talking as if this is a done deal. No need for everyone to explicitly qualify their statements when it is understood that there are some potential hurdles.
Posted by: BCC | August 21, 2009 at 07:07 PM
The point isn’t just that this is speculative. It’s that the very same report that is causing everyone to ramble on also says that the coach isn’t so interested. A little reality check is needed.
Also, assuming it did go through, how good is it to place Donovan on a team where the coach isn’t thrilled with him?
That’s what happened to Adu and lots of others, including Donovan himself before. Not the ideal situation.
If it’s good enough for the likes of Pauleta and Ronaldinho, its good enough for Landon Donovan. PSG’s new coach has built a strong squad in his short time at the club and PSG looks to be in regular contention for a CL spot with him at the helm. I attended a PSG match a few seasons back at the Parc de Princess and the crowd atmosphere is awesome. Some Parisian swagger will do LD good.
i thought donovan’s contract was up after this season? anyway i hope it works out. the creative midfielder psg had (rothen) started saying really bad things about the team and put himself on the outs last season…so this is the likely role donovan will play….
RG and Fig:
It was established pretty early on that this news is speculative. No one is talking as if this is a done deal. No need for everyone to explicitly qualify their statements when it is understood that there are some potential hurdles.
“I wonder if two straight years without a break will take a toll on his body. I’d hate to see him come into the World Cup exhausted (ala Dempsey in Confed Cup).-Seisco”
Considering how Dempsey played, perhaps we should hope for an exhausted Donovan.
i want to move to France now
Would be a good move for him. Ligue 1 is the perfect stepping stool for Donovan. He is red hot right now, and I think he would score 10 goals in the second half of the season over there.
He doesn’t need to make a big splash with a big club, he just needs to move to a better league than MLS where he will start every game.
Let’s go Landon.
Scarlet has a great point. We gotta get more women into viewing soccer in the USA especially WPS. In fact WPS needs viewers of any and all kinds. MLS too.
Scandinavian women is a good topic, admit it guys 😀
but go DONOVAN. He’s the best we ever produced and yet he lingers around in a 3rd tier league. He needs to compete among the world’s greatest.
Nth!
What is with these jokers that have to say “first!” only to be [1+N]th?
Posted by: Sushant Rao | August 21, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I couldn’t agree more. Sorry Eric…unless you are 12 years old claiming “first” should definitely be a part of your past buddy. But I do find it hilarious when that person who does it doesn’t even end up being “first”. It makes them look even cooler.
That’s what I said 2 hours ago. Everyone is so busy arguing about racism and Scandanavian women, that no one bothered to actually read the original article…
The two stories I’ve read on this possible deal mention that PSG’s coach, Kombouare, is NOT sold on Landon, and that it’s more the owners (LA-based Colony Capital) who like the idea of bringing him into the fold for marketing purposes (Adu in Monaco anyone?).
Hope it’s true. The French league is definitely a big step up from MLS and he can hopefully step right in as a starter. PSG is where Ronaldinho got his start in Europe…if it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for Landon.
Although nobody like Racist fans, I don’t see that having too much effect on Landon.
Really good move for PSG as well; they’ll get a great attacking player who is really motivated to make his name in Europe…
I think it would be good for LD as it is a step in the right direction. Remember, though, that he is an American player and so he will not be given much benefit of the doubt over there. If it occurs, I hope PSG will give him time to settle in, and to adjust to the pace and style of the game. I believe LD can show very well if he is given the time.
@scarlett,
Talar svenska? Jag Kevin. I’m on FB or msn. im legolastt2002@hotmail.com if you wanna talk more. I spent 16months in Stockholm with a friend and came home a few months ago and really missing it.
Ohhh someone else invented the term Scandy, i just enjoy the way it rolls off the tongue 🙂
Keep in mind…The Parisians only love Americans when they are be liberated.
absolutely perfect… A league in which speed kills, and offensive/creative players flourish. Very exciting stuff
@ NATO,
No, I’m not on FB but I am “Scandy” as you refer to us. Unfortunately, your assessment is kind of true too 😉
@scarlett,
I find older women into soccer to be highly attractive 😀 you on FB?
Come on, no need to pick on Marc. He was just informing us in case we know. He was saying from a strong point as having been in such a situation.
AI17 — thank you for your posts.
Marc — time to retire, buddy.
And there is NO WAY PSG pays $10 million plus for ANYONE. This is a loan and it will stay that way — trust me.
Posted by: BCC | August 21, 2009 at 03:10 PM
Nah not time to retire…:)
AI17 — thank you for your posts.
Marc — time to retire, buddy.
And there is NO WAY PSG pays $10 million plus for ANYONE. This is a loan and it will stay that way — trust me.
I’m an American and Black but i don’t use African American.
Can’t you guys agree to disagree? Jeez most clubs throughout Europe have a ton of racist members. I hope UEFA cracks down on it. Otherwise they might expand or have fights at games.
Posted by: NATO | August 21, 2009 at 02:57 PM
I agree to disagree…:) Look I’m not black, but my sister has two black sons she adopted so it matters to me and it would regardless if she had my two nephews or not…and yes they have problems especially in Eastern Europe…and UEFA has not done enough to crack down on the problem…
Back to the subject…I think Donovan could do better than playing in France…I was hoping La Liga which would be a good fit for his skills in my opinion…
This is off the posted topic but since the subject of women came up it seemed appropriate to mention that I too am a woman who daily reads SBI but have only posted a couple comments. I got hooked on soccer when my son played. When he stopped I went through serious withdrawal until I found the world of pro soccer. I don’t give a darn about other sports. It seems to me that women are greatly overlooked as potential fans. We are a huge untapped source of support.
I’m an American and Black but i don’t use African American.
Can’t you guys agree to disagree? Jeez most clubs throughout Europe have a ton of racist members. I hope UEFA cracks down on it. Otherwise they might expand or have fights at games.
This Guy,
As someone who has had to leave a Champions League game because of PSG fan violence (I headed out as the riot police headed in) I don’t think that this is a case of wikipedia bias.
Violence aside, some of the signs they display are simply disgusting. But none of the discussion of PSG’s fans is relevant to LD’s (potential) loan move there.
Posted by: CapeCodFutbol | August 21, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Thanks…but I guess I’m just a boob…:)
Seems like a good move on the field, but hope he is able to adjust to french culture, which is unique (and learns the language quickly).