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American soccer fans weren't the only ones watching the U.S. national team's run to the Confederations Cup final, and the stellar performances from several American players to make it happen. European scouts were also watching and now clubs from all over Europe are suddenly in the market for Americans.
The summer transfer market is always good for rumors and potential moves, but this is the first summer when several top U.S. players are at the heart of the speculation. If you haven't been able to keep up with all the transfer talk, here is a rundown of some of the speculation:
Clint Dempsey has been linked to a move to Everton, but there are rumblings about clubs from Spain to Germany. With just one year left on his deal, and with Dempsey having rejected a recent contract extension, look for Fulham to sell and look for Dempsey to move on to a bigger club.
Oguchi Onyewu figured to be in high demand even before the Confederations Cup, but his performance in the tournament has made the free agent one of the most in-demand defenders in Europe. The earlier Fenerbahce reports have been proven premature and now Italian clubs, including Genoa, are lining up to make Onyewu the first U.S. national team player in Serie A since Alexi Lalas. Dutch power Ajax has also been mentioned in European reports as being in the hunt for Onyewu.
Michael Bradley didn't play in the Confederations Cup final, but he had already done enough to spark interest from English clubs who appear ready to pry him from a Moenchengladbach squad that is in no hurry to sell. Fulham has expressed interest, and Everton has been reported to be in the market again after having had the chance to sign him last summer.
Jozy Altidore has been linked with clubs ranging from Fulham to Olympiakos, but Villarreal insists that he is returning to the La Liga club later this month. Altidore has expressed his desire to be somewhere he will play and it remains unclear whether Villarreal will be that place, or if the club will send the 19-year-old striker on loan again.
Landon Donovan should be at the heart of transfer speculation this summer, but all the attention he is getting these days is for his comments about David Beckham. The sense here is that if Donovan is going to leave MLS it will be during the winter transfer period, and not this summer.
Jay DeMerit boosted his stock as much as any American in the Confederations Cup and while he hasn't been the subject of as many reports as some others on this list, there are rumors of interest from lower level EPL clubs.
Charlie Davies appears destined for a move away from Hammarby, with clubs from the Netherlands, Germany (Hamburg) and France (Rennes, Sochaux and St. Etienne) all reportedly on the prowl for the speedy forward. Davies is the lone player among this group who will also play in the Gold Cup, which will give potential suitors even more of a chance to see him against better competition than he would face in Sweden.
What do you think about all the European interest in U.S. national team players? Loving the idea of so many American players moving on to bigger clubs? Worried that some of them may wind up struggling for playing time ahead of the 2010 World Cup? Where are you hoping players such as Onyewu and Dempsey wind up?
Share your thoughts below.
, Ricardo Clark and Conor Casey have also been linked to
I cannot see Dempsey playing regularly at Everton. I hope he doesn’t become another bench warmer. We have enough of those already.
I think most of the comments re: Dempsey fail to acknowledge what Fulham wants from a business perspective. Fulham don’t want their investment to walk away for nothing, so they are attempting to extend him. I doubt they are too excited about Dempsey leaving.
My guess is that Dempsey would like nothing more than to stay at Fulham this season and then be free to go where he wants after the world cup.
My prediction is that Dempsey stays at Fulham and extends his deal by one year.
I’m excited, all our guys are moving to top clubs or bigger clubs in different leagues and their gonna be challenged even more ahead of the world cup. They can only get better from the experience.
One thing though is they HAVE TO get playing time, or else its nothing. In the next year we need our guys to be training and playing every day so they can be ready for the world cup.
Overall, this is a very exciting time for us Americans! =D
I think Dempsey would be better off staying with Fulham.
It would be nice if Bradley moved up in the Bundesliga table to say a TSG Hoff or Schalke somehting like that.
As far as the rest, as long as they get playing time and relocate to a competetive league im all for it.
Fulham want to give EJ to Crystal Palace. They seem to want to get rid of him but the Palace manager doesn’t seem interested.
@ yossarian
First, of all, when does mid-table become top table? At which place? 4th? 5th? 6th? 7th? I think they’re already top table, particularly looking at the two teams above them…Villa looked pathetic at the end of the season, limping through the end of the season, and they won’t have Barry next year. Everton’s legit. THEN there’s Fulham.
Yes, I’m optimistic, but I’m also placing the 4 best American players in positions of need at Fulham. They’re weaker now in the attack than they could be with Altidore and Donovan (and with keeping Dempsey). Gooch and Hangeland in the middle would improve the defense above a team that already allowed fewer goals than only the top 3. If they lose Hangeland, then they NEED Gooch. Bradley is the only question mark in my mind as to whether it’s an improvement over Davies or Murphy, but I don’t think it’s a step down.
Arsenal is in trouble, Man U is losing its bids for replacement talents, Liverpool and Chelsea should be equal. It smells to me to be a season when one of those teams will be susceptible.
I’m not saying Fulham would be world beaters, but that the mountain might just be coming down to Moses, to steal a phrase.
A point I don’t see too many people mentioning, regarding Donovan, is what position he would play now.
His days as a forward for the national team seem to be over and his performance with the national team has actually improved because of it. Will the supposed interests be looking at him as a SMF or as a support striker?
As for the rest, I think more than anyone Dempsey is keen to move to a better club. Fulham overachieved last year without a doubt and they are likely to fall fast and hard with their newly expanded schedule sure to take a toll on them mentally and physically.
Jozy should (and likely will) stay in Spain and “El Torrito” should come back to Villarreal with quite the chip on his shoulder.
Bradley should stay. He’s already a standout on that team and isn’t likely to spend much time on the bench. It’s important not to disrupt his development because as long as his dad is the coach he is going to be an integral part of the national team.
I still don’t think Davies improved his stock as much as people want to believe. If he ends up in France I’d call that a very favorable outcome.
As for Demerit and Gooch, wherever those guys land they will play, so I’m not following up on them too closely. I actually know a few Watford fans via the webz that are very sad that Jay is leaving. Not many USA players earn that kind of admiration abroad.
Ives – what’s that last blurb at the end on Conor Casey?? Who in God’s name would want him outside the U.S.? He’s back stateside for a reason…he’s a fatter, slobbier, far less talented version of Blanco. Can get a ball unless it’s within one yard of him, and I can’t see why he’s been added to the additional roster space for the Gold Cup.
“Dempsey only needs to transfer to a team if: 1. He will play 1st team side regularly; 2. the team plays Champions League/Europa games.”
He has that at Fulham… The news is that he is getting more money to switch to Everton. And a much better club that could make a run for a Champion League spot, Europa Cup or whatever cup they are in.
If i ruled the world, everyone would be loaned to Fulham. But i dont.
Does anyone know why almost every American is being seriously looked at by Fulham except Landon Donovan?? This puzzles me.
Just get everyone on one team, lol. Chemistry FTW!! Everton or Fulham maybe.
Liverpool is much MUCH shittier than London in terms of quality of life. Believe me, I live here.
an out there idea, could donovan help a argintine or brazilian team? you never hear of americans going to s.america but that expierence would be great.
Since the Crew just sold Pat Noonan, I bet they will bring back Stern John.
I just don’t see Dempsey being a good fit in Everton as he’s sometimes a defensive liability and that could earn him a spot on the bench under Moyes.
I’ve made 4 trips over to London to see Fulham play in the last 12 mos. and I’ve spoken with Clint, on several occasions. The story about him rejecting a contract and being of interest to Everton broke in the Sun, which is considered to be a gossip rag that is inaccurate when it comes to transfers and much else.
In any event, I think he and his wife and their daughter are nicely settled in London and that he’s established himself at a club that values him and that will play in the Europa League, this season, along with Everton and Villa. More money is always nice but not if it sets his career back, playing sparingly in the lead up to the World Cup.
I like the idea of Fulhamerica Part Deux, with Donovan the player that I could see slotting in the best, with his pace and ability to run at people and score, allowing him to supplant Simon Davies on the right flank.
Bradley could learn a lot from Danny Murphy at CM and could challenge Dickson Etuhu for playing time, although he’d have to earn a starting role, over time.
Gooch would be a solid replacement for Hangeland, if he leaves for Arsenal or elswhere but first team football could not be guaranteed.
Finally, Altidore might blossom under Hodgson’s coaching but he’s going to have to make a big leap up, in terms of his fitness, work ethic, first touch, passing and speed of play to get playing time, even thought Zamora’s spot is there for the taking.
I hope that Fulham keeps Clint, above all else, but I’d like to see Donovan join, asap, and play on a Top 10 EPL team that’s playing in the Europa League, also.
Agents also fuel these rumors to give their clients a bump at the negotiating table. Dempsey may be perfectly happy at Fulham and would enjoy a better contract.
FulhamPete,
Much as I love those guys, I think you’re overestimating their talents if you think they can propel Fulham (a mid-table team) to challenge the top 4, who are made up of elite, world-class players. They’re nice players, but not on that level.
Pico,
I don’t think you understood my question. The idea is to sign with a team where you will get some playing time – regardless of level. The agent’s job is to find a team that matches your level and style of play with a team/coach/system that is a good fit. It appears as if that has not been happening with several players (Gooch-Newcastle; Adu-Monaco/Benfica; Jozy-Villareal/Xerez; Feilhaber-Derby) as they’ve been put into situations where there was clearly no pt to be had.
It has nothing to do with the U.S. developmental system, it has to do with matching the player to the team. When Gooch first went over, he obviously had some good advice (or luck) and signed with a club (Liege) that wanted him and would develop him. It seems like many other agents, though, may be placing players based solely on money, not on fit.
Every time there’s a halfway decent American player with a chance to sign somewhere in Europe, there’s always a bunch of “I hope he goes to Arsenal!” posts — as if any US player at the moment could start or even sniff the field at a Liverpool/ManU/Arsenal/Chelsea. Personally, I think Donovan could contribute to any of those clubs, but there’s no chance he’ll want to go to England. Luckily, b/c I’d hate to see him there.
Donovan should transfer now. if he waits until the winter, he could have trouble breaking into his new team, which would not put him in good form pre-world cup. …
Posted by: Marc | July 02, 2009 at 10:08 AM
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100% agree.
Landon, move now!
I can’t see Clint moving from the Cottagers as making any sense?
Unless he has some dream to play for Inter Milan or something.
As for everyone else, as long as there is playing time…
First of all… It’s Deuce. D-E-U-C-E. NOT Duece. Y’all are killin’ me here, and it happens too often for it to be a typo.
Whew.
Second, I’m with DSUBBS. Put Bradley, Gooch, Donovan, AND Deuce on Fulham and they make a run for top 4. Probably won’t crack it, but they’d be better than Everton and Villa. Combined with a declining Arsenal and you’ve got yourself a CL run. All four of those players would be upgrades at their positions (assuming Fulham holds on to it’s best players at the other positions. Read: Hangeland.)
The problem with this is that AlFayed doesn’t have the deepest pockets around, and so depth AND player acquisition become an economic issue. I’m afraid Deuce is gonna leave because FFC can’t pay him what he’s worth to other clubs.
But, DAMN, how cool would it be to bring back Fulhamerica?
I have to say that I have been a huge critic of Landon Donovan, but after this tournament and reading the book excerpt he has mightily impressed me. Kudos to him.
It seems like Everton will be the new Fulham with regards to our players. 🙂
All this possible transfer news and interest in Americans makes me happy.
I agree 100% with Tom P. We need to get our guys on clubs where they play. That is most important.
For the most part, this is all pretty bad news:
1. Dempsey is almost certain to move. But he’ll likely go to the highest bidder. And that means there’s a great chance he’d end up on a club starved for PT. At least with Fulham he sees regular minutes. Think of it this way: what big club is going to allow a guy who’s going to miss maybe 1/3rd of 2009-2010 season (due to WCQ, WC camp and warmups) to be someone they count on?
2. Altidore. I think Vallareal is going to keep him. I actually think his Confed Cup performance hurt Jozy. Here’s why: he looked good enough that I don’t think Vallareal sees a need to loan him out to develop. They probably see him as a great 2nd or 3rd forward (ie: sometimes he makes the sub bench, sometimes he doesn’t). Which means not much PT for him.
3. Donovan–agreed that he likely transfers in January. I hope he goes to a low-level club in Spain, where he walks right in and starts. But that’s highly unlikely. Lower clubs are buying help to avoid relegation. Anyone who buys Donovan knows he’s going to miss the critical part of the “avoid relegation battle” b/c of the WC prep. More likely he goes to a big club who seems him as a possible investment (ie: if he does well in the WC they sell him for even more money) or because they do not need him to start. So the chances of Donovan going some place and then not playing are high.
4. I’d rather see Gooch go to a club like Ajax than Genoa. At Genoa he’ll have to fight for PT and unless we stop calling him up for NT friendlies, he’ll lose his starting position. But a club like AJax would be a great fit–can’t afford 3-4 other guys to compete with him, good enough that when he leaves early for camp they won’t have a hissy fit and threaten to bench him forever.
5. Davies I’d worry about. Lots of big clubs like to stockpile athletic attackers with good strength, size and speed (stuff you can’t coach). I think it’s critical Davies goes to a team he’ll play at. France seems like a good destination for him.
6. Bradley–I think he’d do fine. The clubs likely to sign him aren’t clubs like ManCity or Bayern Munich who can afford two complete starting rosters. And if he stays with Borussia Moenchengladbach, he’ll still be playing in the Bundesliga. So I see him in a win-win situation.
But all the others? They’re critical for US success and i can see them going to teams and sitting.
“Give it another few years and the U.S. will probably have more players in Europe than the rest of CONCACAF (Mexico included) combined.”— now THAT, I will happily agree with!
Are you really overlooking the obvious point that as the resident Concacaf powerhouse, our numbers in the EPL should not even be comparable to minnows like Honduras?
I respect the hell out of your opinion, but Honduras is hardly a CONCACAF minnow. They are consistently #4 or #5 in the region which means they are barely missing the World Cup every four years. It’s also important to note that the EPL isn’t the be all, end all for soccer talent (nor should it be). The US probably has 3-4 times as many players involved in European football and probably twice as many in the top 4-5 leagues in Europe. Give it another few years and the U.S. will probably have more players in Europe than the rest of CONCACAF (Mexico included) combined.
Brandon, good point, but I still think it’s a lot of money. He’s still totally unproven in a league above MLS. For that kind of money they can usually get a Latin American who’s proven himself in Argentina, Brazil, or even Mexico– all much stronger leagues.
Zizzo is on the move to a bundelsliga 2 team, Fortuna Düsseldorf. 1 year loan deal.
http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=4870
To all you ” I want so and so to sign with big club” posters:
Does Demerit will ever get a chance if he signs with a too big of a “big club”? Donovan at B Munich? Jozy at Villarreal ? Zizzo at Hanover- albeit not a big, big club? Arguez at Berlin ? etc . etc. ad nausem
What we should be happy with nice, medium to small clubs in the top tear division of Germany, France, Spain, Holland , England etc etc. anything after 10 in the table and just above thee relegation scrum would do nice thank you very much.
Playing time vs. the top flight competition is what our boys need and in real live games-not training. They don’t need to be on the bench or in the stands watching the best of the world and only seeing playing time on training days.
Let’s not try to live out our long over fantasies of being/ playing for a top club when in reality most of couldn’t find regular time on an over 40 pub team.
“Goal the Dream Begins” was just a bad maybe and the reality of one of our guys going to a top club could be just as bad. Besides, Newcastle got relegated and I seriously doubt Santino would be getting much playing time with Real Madrid current spending spree. (Joke for those of you who never suffered through the movies)
None of this about us so take your hand (left, right or both) out of your pants and get back to reality. It’s about striking a balance between what’s best for the players bank account with what is best for their development so maybe a few could really cash in big down the line while maximizing their potential.
In other news, Conor Casey has been reportedly linked to a double-cheeseburger with fries. More news at 11
The real story here SHOULD be Donovan. He’s too good to be sitting in MLS. If push comes to shove he should pull a ‘Beckham’, and pay his own transfer fee.
I could see Donovan moving in the next few months. The big guys in the MLS league office are not going to be happy with his comments on Beckham, the league’s STAR attraction. So instead of holding out for a $10m transfer fee like they did last winter, I bet they’ll let him move on for $4m or $5m this summer. At that price he is an attractive options for a lot of La Liga clubs.
Are you seriously saying that Guzan gets significant minutes, or Spector for that matter?
Do goalkeepers really count? (only half joking)
Are you really overlooking the obvious point that as the resident Concacaf powerhouse, our numbers in the EPL should not even be comparable to minnows like Honduras?
But I do (kind of) respect your opinion.
“Why does Honduras have more players in the EPL than the US?”
They don’t. Honduras has three, only one of whom sees the field regularly. The U.S. has Howard, Dempsey, Spector, and Friedel, all of whom get significant minutes.
I think Dempsey should stay at Fulham at least 1 more seasons, may be. Fulham is the Europa League this year, so he’ll get exposure to international club game AND also get meaningful playing time. Moving to a bigger club too soon could result in only sporadical playing time and, as a result, hurt his game. Besides, aren’t several Spanish clubs in financial trouble? If so, the level of play there may fall.
Donovan should move, but I am afraid MLS is pricing itself out of the market with his transfer fee. He should be looking at a smaller club in a good league to get playing time and establish himself at that level.
Yossarian,
The main reason US players do not get playing time right away is because they are at a lower developmental stage than international players at the same age.
It could easily take US players one to two years more than others to catch up. If anything, it is a sad testament to the US development program.
Cheers
BTW, you don’t become a scouser.
Why does Honduras have more players in the EPL than the US?
I like the Dempsey to Everton move. David Moyes is considered even better than Hodgson for developing players. He is a player’s coach. Listen to the reasons Howard went to play for him.
I hope Jay is able to get a good move. The old Watford coach now at Reading is raiding Watford at the moment and if he loses Bikey I would see him going for DeMerit but I hope Jay holds out for a low level EPL team. He was solid in the Premiership and he deserves to be there.
I wish Clint and Gooch would become scousers! Or, I would like them as well as Bradley + Jozy to Everton. They would soon be the USMNT in the EPL-but realistically some of these potential moves sound great and I think most of these players would fit well with the above-mentioned rumored destinations
Gooch, Dempsey and Bradley, probably DeMerrit stand to take a substantial bump in pay either by renegotiating or moving. Each has shown the ability to impress the coach and gain a starting role, (Dempsey with 2 different coaches at Fulham and Bradley at 2 clubs). I suspect that in the event of a transfer that all 4 of these guys will find themselves starting in a couple months. Jozy, Benny, Spector, and Davies haven’t been quite as quick to catch on at new clubs, but their performances at the Con. Cup should get them more careful scrutiny in a positive light and I think they will get substantial time if they transfer (or in Jozy’s case, even if he doesn’t).
One thing people often forget is these are young mostly single guys who need something to do between games and training sessions. Being in an area with a substantial english speaking population would probably make life a lot easier for most of them and would help to keep them from feeling isolated. (You gotta say that Bradley’s ability to handle both the move to non-english foreign countries and the pressure of being counted on to perform well speak volumes about his personal strength and resilience.) I do wonder how much of Adu’s and Jozy’s lack of success in europe is due to the impact of off-field, non-soccer specific things like socialization and potential isolation on their general well-being.
Here’s my question, Ives, and I wonder if you know or can find out. It certainly seems as if many U.S. players, especially in their first big European move, wind up getting stuck in situations where they don’t get playing time. Do U.S. players use U.S. agents that don’t understand the Euro market? Do they use Euro agents that don’t understand or underestimate the U.S. player? Do you think representation is part of the problem, Ives?
with dempsey, it might not just be about Clint trying to get paid, but also Fulham trying to get some cash ofr him before they lose him on a free transfer next year. Selling him to Everton is a cash decision more than a soccer decision.
I’m nervous about Demps moving and having trouble playing somewhere…..on the one hand he’s fought his way into playing everywhere he’s gone, on the other hand he’s HAD to fight his way into the lineup in weaker teams than he’s looking at.
I also would prefer a Donovan move now. He could end up missing PT if he’s having trouble breaking into or assimilating with the squad by going in the winter. But generally, he’s done plenty for the MLS and i just want to see him play some top talent! His biggest problem could be staying humble enough to realize he doesnt need to go to a top club like Bayern….a mid-table La Liga team would be perfecto.
Tennessee Mike,
Bradley to the Gunners would be risky, but I’d love to see it. Arsne is great at developing young talent, he fits the agressive defensive mid need that they have (with the ability to come forward and score, which Wenger would like). The only question is, is he good enough? Only one way to tell. A bit of a pipe dream for us, but a good one, no?
The silly season is in full swing! Gotta love it! As we all know it’s not uncommon to have Yanks rumored to a variety of European clubs but for the first time in a while all our guys are linked to quality clubs and not cellar dwellers. I like it. It’s refreshing. If you search the comments from several players listed they have expressed that if a move comes it will be in view of playing right off the bat or at least in a position to win a place fairly quickly. They aren’t looking to move “just for experience”. Bob has expressed a desire for his boys to be playing not sitting. There have been exceptions of course but for the most part he sticks to it.
Really hope Donovn goes now. Agree with @mark:
“donovan should transfer now. if he waits until the winter, he could have trouble breaking into his new team, which would not put him in good form pre-world cup. plus, he would have to deal with the beckham drama if he stays in LA”
For Euro-based players, I think these moves are pretty bad for the USMNT.
If Dempsey stays, he’s guaranteed pt now, but not at everton.
Italy strikes me as a bad fit for Gooch. He’s a prototypical EPL center back, so physical and good in the air.
Bradley’s the same as Dempsey — he’s guaranteed games against top competition in the position he plays for the USMNT. Of the moves, though, this is the one I find most encouraging. His game reminds a lot of Tim Cahill, and he could be really good for everton.
Landon should go to spain. he’s be great there, as a lot of teams use formations that prize wing attacking players. also, the primera stikes me as the league that is most like international football — less physical and herky-jerky than the EPL, less cynical than serie a.