January is always chaotic. With the opening, and closing, of the European transfer window, there’s always manic movement across the global landscape as players find new clubs all over the world.
For Americans, this January was no different, as a combination of up-and-comers and veterans began the next chapter of their career.
A total of 10 Americans Abroad made moves in January, following a busy December that saw players like Julian Green, Greg Garza and Ventura Alvarado find new homes. Several more could be in the works in the coming days and weeks, with Fafa Picault expected to head to the Philadelphia Union while Josh Gatt looks set for a move following a trial with Nurnberg.
Headlining the list of movers is Brad Guzan, even if he won’t finalize his Middlesbrough departure until this summer. The U.S. Men’s National Team regular is set to join Atlanta United, giving him a chance to start after months on the bench in the Premier League. He’s not the only goalkeeper to move, though, as Ethan Horvath made the jump from Molde to Club Brugge as he looks to push into the conversation for USMNT No. 1.
Horvath leads a list of several younger players looking to take the next step. Emerson Hyndman and Gedion Zelalem both sealed loans as they look to reignite their club careers after struggling to find time in the Premier League. Rubio Rubin was also in need of time on the field, prompting a move to Silkeborg IF of the Danish league.
Following several solid seasons in League One, Gbloy Ariyibi sealed a move to English Championship side Nottingham Forest. Joe Gyau finally departed Borussia Dortmund following an extended injury layoff, moving to the German third division in search of playing time.
Like Gyau, Terrence Boyd was also in need of a move following extended injury woes, and the former RB Leipzig forward found a new home with Bundesliga side Darmstadt.
Finally, there were several Americans that returned home, including Miguel Ibarra, who rejoined Minnesota United after a stint with Club Leon. Jonathan Spector also moved to MLS, joining the league for the first time as a member of Orlando City.
Here’s a full look at the Americans that were on the move in January:
Gboly Ariyibi moved from Chesterfield to Nottingham Forest on a permanent transfer.
Terrence Boyd moved from RB Leipzig to Darmstadt on a permanent transfer.
Brad Guzan is set to move from Middlesbrough to Atlanta United on a permanent transfer this summer.
Joe Gyau moved from Borussia Dortmund to SG Sonnenhof Großaspach on a permanent transfer.
Ethan Horvath moved from Molde FK to Club Brugge on a permanent transfer.
Emerson Hyndman moved from Bournemouth to Rangers on loan.
Miguel Ibarra moved from Club Leon to Minnesota United on a permanent transfer.
Rubio Rubin moved from FC Utrecht to Silkeborg IF on a permanent transfer.
Jonathan Spector moved from Birmingham City to Orlando City on a permanent transfer.
Gedion Zelalem moved from Arsenal to VVV Venlo on loan.
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What’s your overall assessment of January? Which moves are you most excited for? Any leave you with lingering doubts?
Share your thoughts below.
An important name not listed is Julian Green….Transferred to Stuttgart.
In general there aren’t that many US players that needed to move clubs. Most of our players are in good, stable club situations in Europe….(Fabian, Cameron, Brooks, Wood, Yedlin, Chandler, Pulisic, Williams, Lichaj, CCV, etc…)…and didn’t need to change clubs.
Young players not getting minutes at their clubs and/or players returning from prolonged injuries secured loans or transfers in search of more playing time (Hyndman, Zelalem, Green, Gyau, Boyd, Rubin). Or advanced to a better league (Horvath & Ariyibi). If successful these moves will improve their chances of getting into or back into the USMNT picture.
Older players entering into the twilight of their careers (Guzan, Spector) get a chance to regain their form is a decent league (MLS) in the hopes of attracting Bruce’s eye….and maybe extend their careers a couple more years.
Overall these transfers/loans are all positives for the players as it improves their chances of seeing meaningful minutes. If they take advantage of the opportunities it’ll be good for the USMNT as well.
I was hoping to hear news on Josh Gatt’s status, but he seems to still be up in the air. I guess since he is out of contract he isn’t held to the transfer windows and could sign anywhere at anytime.
correct
Mario Rodriguez transferred to 2.Bundesliga side Dynamo Dresden and then was promptly loaned to Sonnenhof where he immediately was given a start and scored a goal. Not super exciting, but he has played for US U23s and will be playing with Gyau.
*Thumbs up* Johnny always on the spot.
Well, if I’m honest, this is pretty underwhelming. No?