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Johnson heading to Greece on loan (Adu to follow?)

Eddie Johnson 1 (ISIphotos.com)

Photo by ISIphotos.com

Eddie Johnson is on his way to Greece, and he may not be the only American heading there.

The American striker has been sent on loan to Greek club Aris Salonika (Thessaloniki is the Greek variation of the name), Fulham announced on Thursday.

Now reports have surfaced linking Aris FC with a move for Freddy Adu.

Johnson has struggled for playing time with Fulham even amid several injuries to the Cottagers forwards, so a move to Greece could be a move that helps give him the playing time he needs to develop into a candidate for the U.S. World Cup team.

Adu is also expected to make a move away from Benfica this winter after being returned from his failed loan stint with Belenenses. The reports linking him to Adu are new, but Adu has been hinting at a major decision coming soon on his club future.

Managed by former Inter Milan and Parma manager Hector Cuper, Aris FC currently sits in fifth place in the Greek League standings, which is the league's final Europa League place. Aris is currently tied on points with Kavala and Panonios in the race for that final Europa League spot.

Aris FC's first match after Johnson's arrival is on Tuesday vs. Atromitos.

What do you think of the Johnson move? Like the idea? Not so sure about Greece as an option? Can you see Johnson and Adu succeeding in Greece and making the U.S. World Cup squad?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Eddie’s first words after he landed in Greece:

    “I thank Aris that gave me the opportunity to play in the Greek league. I’ll try to fulfill my goals, i ‘ll try to be successful and help my team. Me and my family are both happy.”

    Reply
  2. haha…thank you zeke…someone on this post is actually an adult. Players don’t lose their ability within a few years, it’s all about the confidence and their form…it’s funny how many people hardly watch the game but can come on here and spew bull shit.

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  3. Good for Eddie! I hope he sees a lot of time, and gets on an Eddie Johnson Hot Streak heading into the WC. A healthy, hot, positive EJ can only help our forward pool.

    I think Adu should ride it out in Europe for a bit longer and hopefully, he’s gaining a lot in training. Ultimately, I think MLS is the best fit for him, with a team who is willing to build around him and his talents (which won’t and shouldn’t happen in Europe).

    Reply
  4. mousoudas said : toumpa listen. as for the black and white team (i dont know her name) was in a better position only the previous year. Dont forget all hte other years where was the possition of the team with two chicken heads. Regards poumba (sorry) toumpa….. and something last for you. Lets play with your great manager of your team. Zizis The number one famous manager…….. pou…. your team and …..

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  5. Believe those fans. Other than fanboys and delusional/hopefull beyond reason/clueless Yanks, the word on EJ is 100% true. It will be no different in Greece. He just doesn’t know how to play soccer, and most here don’t realize the Greek league is better than they think. EJ was never all that successfull in MLS either, except for a couple of hot streaks. The insanity surrounding this player here, who has the soccer brain/thought process of an 8 year old is both hilarious and sad att he same time.

    Shows the immaturity of US Soccer comprehension.

    Greece may be perfect for Freddy however. Style, speed, way they play…I hope he helps. EJ? You’ll find out sso enough. Get ready to be disappointed as he will live up to all of his net crticism. There is no ceiling to reach. There is no potential there. Just a crappy player with zero soccer sense.

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  6. I still say the Mainz signing of Jeffrey is more news worthy than both Johnson and Adu together. Get over them already and begin focusing on development of the future.

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  7. that was phenomenal. i wish they could do a “thessaloniki isn’t ready for this” with EJ and Freddy sitting on recliners using mobile devices

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  8. Let’s play Eddie! It’s yet another move to yet another team, but perhaps the warmer weather and such will help. Perhaps this’ll be a chance to play and score some goals on a decent European team. As for Freddy…if it means playing, or a better chance of playing, do it! The more Yanks Abroad playing and scoring, the better.

    P.S. Great post Alexeras, welcome to the SBI board.

    Reply
  9. i hope johnson makes an impact somewhere on the field. i know he’s a striker, but what if you test him out as a winger? just saying….

    oh and i watch the greek league every weekend and the aris olympiakos game was nice. i’m def. going to follow aris in the coming months

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  10. I am a fan of ARIS SALONICA from Barcelona, Spain. ARIS was one of the most famous european teams in Basketball during 80’s

    This club has the most fanatic and supportive fans in all over the world you can find many videos in youtube..

    Last years I try to learn the news of the football team as there are many spanish players (Tony Calvo,Koke,Javito) and I think that Jonhnson is very lucky for his choice..

    I think that the level of Aris Salonica is better than many spanish teams (except probably the big clubs like Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real M., Sevilla)

    2 years ago Aris beated Real Zaragosa (with Milito, D’Allessandro and many other super stars) for UEFA Cup..

    Good Luck to our favourite club Eddie..Vamos ARIS

    Reply
  11. bla…bla… and nothing importand….
    you really know which team is the greatest of northern Greece and it is Aris
    you are just a guest here,in the city of god

    ah!
    your papa is arianos

    Reply
  12. Typical…..”Aris is a top 4 side”

    Uhhhhh? Not even close bud. You know who owns northern Greece. They wear Black and White and booted you around the pitch to the tune of 4-1. They also beat you last year and then knocked you out of the cup for good measure.

    Do not claim to be a “Top 4 team” when you are not one.

    Reply
  13. “likes fast players that mark everywhere!”

    I hope “mark everywhere” means something different in Greek, or your coach is going to be a little disappointed in our two lads.

    Reply

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