As most of you know by now, I have made the move to join FoxSoccer.com as a columnist/writer. My debut column appeared today, and it is on Landon Donovan's move to secure his loan deal to Everton.
There seems to be much being made about Donovan's decision to sign a new four-year deal with MLS this off-season when he just had two years left on his MLS contract, but what some are flat failing to realize is that without that new contract there is no loan to Everton. MLS and the Los Angeles Galaxy were under no obligation to let Donovan go on loan this winter, and used that as leverage in their efforts to sign him. Donovan wanted badly to play in Europe this winter and made it happen. Now American soccer fans are being treated to the rewards of that decision, and it could wind up making the difference in Donovan securing a transfer move this summer.
Give my column a read and feel free to share your thoughts on it below.