Landon Donovan figures to be headed somewhere on loan this winter, and a new destination has emerged as a possibility.
English club Everton, home of U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, has its sights on landing Landon Donovan on loan, The Guardian reported on Tuesday.
Everton has been home to several Americans in the past, including Brian McBride and Joe-Max Moore, and the Toffees need for some attacking punch is limited by the club's lack of transfer funds, which would make a Donovan loan even more attractive.
What is the SBI take? Everton would be a perfect short-term destination for Donovan.
The Toffees need the attacking help and Donovan would have a number of high-quality matches to play in during his loan spell, whether it extends into March or all the way to the summer. With Everton competing in the Europa League, FA Cup and playing a brutal schedule from January to March (including games vs. Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham all before March), Donovan would have his fill of high-level matches against top-flight competition (not to mention getting the chance to face some of the same England players he will face in the World Cup).
With Yakubu set to play in the African Cup of Nations, Jo struggling to score, and Louis Saha a notorious injury risk, Donovan could certainly get minutes in what will be a congested fixture schedule. Nevermind the fact that Donovan can contribute at multiple positions.
Donovan can spend less than three months with Everton, play in a handful of high-level matches, and return to the Galaxy having gained some valuable experience and potentially increased his value. A successful stint with Everton would certainly ease concerns foreign clubs might have about buying him this summer given his past stints in Europe.
What do you think of Donovan joining Everton on loan? Like the idea of Donovan playing in the EPL, or were you hoping he would head to Spain instead? Does that list of opponents Donovan could face make you even more excited about this possible move?
Share your thoughts below.
I don’t know that this is the same situation because of the World Cup. I think he’d play into April and then join the US team, he wouldn’t have an MLS season until after the World Cup (if at all).
Also, as far as a loan, who is he being loaned from as he’s not currently with the Galaxy? MLS?
I don’t know about Donovan at Tottenham, talk about a crowded bench. With strikers galore and a few killer wingers like Lennon and Bentley I don’t know that he’d ever see the pitch.
I like Everton. But I am tired of Donovan being loaned out for a couple of months. Please, someone just BUY him! Oh wait, that requires MLS to sell him…
Stars and Strips for Everton.
I seriously wonder whether going to *any* European team for a short-term loan would be good for Donovan at this stage. In soccer terms, he’s middle-aged. Unless he hopes to impress Everton enough to encourage an outright transfer, all he would be doing would be expending energy that he would need for the World Cup. He had a pretty full schedule last year, w/WC qualifying and Confederations Cup. This isn’t like Beckham being intimidated by Capello to go to Milan or else not be considered for a place on England’s national team. Donovan doesn’t *have* to go.
I’m not sure if LD fits well but it’s worth a shot. Rodwell just went down last week and we don’t know how long he’ll be out. Fellaini is a good player but picks up way too many cards. They definitely need a defensive minded mid, even though the main problem right now is scoring (and injuries).
Haha that would be even more frustrating for Everton fans since Gooch ended up hurt in that game against Honduras. But who knows? Maybe he wouldn’t have been hurt if he did sign with everton instead of milan. 😉
I would have thought this might be about the only place to fit Donovan prior to the WC10 draw, but after the draw, something in the back of my mind makes me wonder about “intent.”
Come back to Deutschland Landon. The Germans would love to see you run over England in good match fitness.
Donovan needs to make this move. This move would be great for his career, and could make him even better. Lets just hope that he doesnt have another Bayern Munchen type of loan. Having a chance to play in the Priemer League and to play in the Europa League would be great experience for him. Plus the more Americans playing in England will be great for our national team, heading into our game with them at the World Cup.
Wow I don’t care really where Donovan goes as long he stay fit to play in a high level for the World Cup. If he goes to Europa will be great as long that he gets to play and not be a bench warmer. But if the rumors down the south of the border is true even better because it will help Donovan become more sneaky and learn more tactical game. There are rumors that America & Cruz Azul are interested in him. I will prefer him play for Cruz Azul under Ojitos Mesa or Pachuca and even Toluca. They have a better type of game fit for Donovan.
ehhhhhhh… not a snowball’s chance in hell mi amigo
yeah, his Spanish is just OK. helluva a lot better than most gringos. 😉
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CTTaPEqcys
Correction, 47 caps in 7 years, would make him more than PT player.
I believe Pienaar is a part time player with SA one of the weakest sides in WC 2010? Not sure though.
The Eurosnobs will never be silenced. If Landon did go to Everton and did exceptional, the Eurosnobs would just say he couldn’t do it on a”top” club. Then of course they would not define “top” club so that if Donovan did go to a higher seeded club, they still wouldn’t have to justify their position…it just wouldn’t be a “top” club.
LD is better than all of these guys. Cahill and Arteta three years ago were probably superior, but not today.
A great fit, and having Howard’s there would help him get settled in quickly with the team and staff. I would love to see it. Best case scenario, he becomes a starter and helps turn their season from disappointing to solid.
Nerd!
Thank you Gen. Akbar.
===
Admiral.
Thank you Gen. Akbar.
If he has the opportunity to play on the wing I think its great. If he gets stuck playing forward like at Bayern, I’m not so sure…
Donovan is just not a forward at the top level. although skilled, fast, and a great finisher, he’s just not strong at all, and needs room to roam against top flight competition
I don’t care where he plays as long we don’t have to watch him ride the bench.
Who the hell would get him the ball at Everton?
Whenever I watch that team they are always fighting for possession. He’d be very similar to Pienaar, but without the fantastic shooting ability, dribbling,and close ball control. And Pienaar is still to make a serious impact. But in LD’s favor, he’s got much more speed. I also don’t know if Liverpool is the place for our LD. If he didn’t like Leverkusen, what is he going to make of Merseyside?
I’m no expert on the EPL, but if he goes there, I’d much prefer he go to a place with a more cultivated attack. I just don’t see LD getting the space he needs to be effective. I’d much prefer he went to a team like Wigan, for example, where the coach is known for emphasizing passing.
If Everton can’t find some defenders they will be fighting relegation. Landon is not a defender. Poor choice all the way around.
im gonna go ahead and say that pienaar is every bit as good as donovan.
If he ended up there permanently, I’d have to consider getting this season’s away jersey with a Landon number 9 (Arteta already has 10).
Whyyyyyy not an option to extend if hes getting playing time?
that is to say, short term loan, and if BOTH parties are interested (he plays well, and is satisfied with the amount of time he gets), extend said loan. PT with Everton is better than PT with LA.
Actually, this was my first thought too, some English thug taking him out with a nasty tackle…
good luck getting Donovan acclimated. Middle to Northern England in the winter has got to be one of the most depressing places on earth. It is freezing, raining, and dark all the time (London – in the south of England – is north of Maine). A short term adjustment to it getting light at 10 AM and then dark at 4 PM can really mess you up – especially if you have to be at the top of your game.
Spain would be less culture shock for a Californian… only problem is no Spanish side is interested (yet)
Everton could certainly use the help. Do It Landon!
Go LD Go!!! I always see Steven Pinear and SWP playing well in the EPL and just do not get how LD could not have similar success. I like that Moyes has already had/has US players on the team. And I think that in the back of his mind he would like to help someone cause England some pain in the world cup and bring a spark to the club in the process. Maybe just wishful thinking but I like the angle. LOL
Get in there son!!!!!!!!!!!! This is prefect for the kid!
I prefer Everton to Club America. Everton is a club I believe Donovan can succeed at. First, there’s the comfort level of having a fellow American on the squad with Tim Howard. Second, there is a huge competitive opportunity and I think Landon welcomes that at this point in his career. Yes, it’s a physical league but I think it’s now or never for Donovan and he has the speed and vision to cope with the physical game. He tends to draw fluid fouls because of his speed off the mark. Plus, I think he’s shown himself to be very resilient to tackles and challenges over the years.
His slight size will just make it that much more important for him to push his game to the limit so his speed gets him around players, without having to push them off the ball. Put in the right positions, I believe he can do that.
Yes, Mexico is a very good league and the style is very good for him. However, I don’t think he’s better off there. Will any fans or drug cartels have it out for him after all the shots he’s taken at Mexico over the years? LOL. And, I believe in Donovan. I believe he can succeed and get consistent playing time at Everton.
I just hope they have the money.
And, for anyone saying LD isn’t good enough to crack the starting 11? Give me a break. Donovan is as good as a Dempsey, an EPL starter. His speed, vision, and deft through passing will cause nerves for almost any club in the EPL. He CAN contribute and right away.
What happened to Paris St Germain? What happened to Livorno? What happened to La Liga?
Folks on this site get all pumped up cause they watch the EPL, but if Donovan’s agent is any good, this is most likely just one of many offers they are juggling.
I wouldn’t mind if he gets spot duty. He’s been playing non-stop and could use a rest before the WC (IMHO). Training and seeing spot duty with the Toffees would keep him sharp while still allowing a bit of a rest.
This is the worst case scenario if he does head to Everton…
Ives, thanks for adding your opinion in an updated article.
I really think he fits in perfectly in the EPL. One of his weaknesses (no pun intended) is that he is weak on the ball. Adding a couple pounds of muscle and learning how to use his shoulders will only help his game. Everton is a very skilled side and he will only benefit from that environment. I only see good things coming out of this.
He will be a Toffee unless a better team comes calling. But I don’t know how you can pass up Europa games and games against Champions League teams (Arsenal, Chelsea, Man U).
I personally think he is best suited for Spain.
He would open up a lot defenses with his speed. I am not sure the same would be done in England.
I think he needs to transfer in January. Not go out on loan.
I now have to share my one of my top football memories. I’m in Manchester visiting my girlfriend and I got to watch Man City play Newcastle at the new Man City Stadium. Newcastle has some of the most dedicated fans and its a short car ride from Manchester. The atmosphere was INCREDIBLE. They where both bottom third on the table. I was 10th row behind the goal. Reyna (who I briefly played against in HS) and Beasley where on the field. The relationship ended soon after by that game will stay with me forever.
If he plays striker here, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get time there in the upcoming friendlies and possibly at the World Cup. But, I think we (USMNT) needs him as a midfielder.
Please not right back. I hope that if he goes he at least gets to play one of the two positions that he will play in the World Cup.
I am thrilled about this both as a US National Team supporter and an Everton Supporter. Everton could definitely use Donovan, and Donovan could definitely use the experience and playing time.
I would be shocked if Donovan did not start regularly for the entire duration of the loan. When you combine Everton’s ridiculous amount of injuries with Donovan’s ability to play at several positions, I just don’t see how he’d end up not playing. Like, in their last game against the Spurs, I could easily see Moyes putting him in at forward, central midfielder, or even right back.
“Not going to happen. Everton has better quality at all the positions Landon can play. Bily, Pienar, Jo, Saha, Cahill, Fellaini >> Donovan. Saha a “notorious” injury risk? Hardly. Someone has a bad spell with a big 4 club and all of a sudden they are “notorious”. Ives once again isnt beyond English bs.”
This is silly, man. Jo is certainly not the player Donovan is, nor is Pienar. Also, Landon gives you versatility Fellaini lacks and Saha IS injury prone. I rate Donovan higher than Yakubu as well. However, you are right when you rate Cahill higher. What are you on about man?
I think this is a great move.
this gets less and less absurd the more i think about it.
Also, I’m pretty sure Beckham and Milan were the ones who wanted to extend the loan from March until the end of Milan’s season. FIFA had nothing to do with it. Don’t you remember MLS getting a payout (most likely from Beck’s himself) because of the extended loan?
6 sub appearances in league games. He SCORED only in exhibition matches, scoring 4 goals in 5 exhibition matches. He also had 1 sub appearance in the DFB Pokal.
Wow, the sacrosanct for Everton’s “quality” is amazing around here. Sure they’re a good club, but it is a farce to hear claims he would not feature, maybe even regularly.
Landon Donovan is a very good player by any standard (world class [whatever that is], international, club). I know it’s an inconvenient truth for certain segments of the world, but it’s a truth nonetheless.
…of course, with a high potential for bottling as well!!!
That’s cool. I think it will be good, at least for a short term loan. I don’t think he is respected enough to go to a huge team right now so I think that Everton will be a good fit.
SBI–any news on Clark and Holden?
Landon came back a better player from Bayern. His developed ability to create and pass got the US through qualifying. He needs to go somewhere. He’ll get minutes at Everton. At bayern he had a coach on the hotseat and two in form strikers ahead of him. It’s amazing that a year ago he was considered mainly a striker when he’s looked brillant as a wide player.
Moyes saw Donovan play at the all star game. He’s got a good rep as a coach and is stable in his job. The names in Everton’s roster are impressive but their recent form hasn’t been great making everyone’s position vunerable. Tim Howard being there helps. Plus we all get to watch him play with English commentary in the best leauge in the world.