Jermaine Jones' time in the Schalke 04 doghouse figures to end this month with a likely transfer, and now another German club has emerged as a potential destination for the U.S. national team midfielder.
TSG Hoffenheim is reportedly interested in signing Jones after selling Brazilian Luiz Gustavo to Bayern Munich.
Jones had been linked to Wolfsburg, but with Wolfsburg going in another direction, Hoffenheim has emerged as the new favorite to pry Jones away from Schalke, where manager Felix Magath has buried Jones on the reserve team.
What do you think of Hoffenheim as a destination for Jones? Hoping a Premier League club takes a look at him?
Share your thoughts below.
Young?
Actually, Vedad only played one year at SLU.
In January of his freshman year, he spent time with the Bosnian NT (may have been U-23s, not sure), and while he was with them, he was spotted, and subsequently signed, by PSG, so he did not return to SLU.
He did attend high school in St Louis as well, though.
based on what?
Another young American disappearing act in Europe…
Felix Magath seems to have issues with US players…
I agree that he’s better than both, but I don’t agree that he is “far” better. Both players are making tremendous strides in their careers, and are looking forward to bigger and better things. Jones is at his peak right now (if it didn’t pass him pre-injury), but both Bradley and Edu still have their best days ahead of them.
I’d take him at Villa, in a split second. Or Bradley, for that matter.
One main reason: Jones is a far better player than Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu.
Because,apart from anything else, US midfielders, particularly holding/defensive ones, get injured like clockwork on a regular basis.
The US needs all the good players it can get and you’re being extremely shortsighted if you think otherwise.
He’s fluent enough if you believe the USMNT players.
Well, other than the fact JJ collects yellow and red cards like he’s playing “Go Fish.” Which is one of the reasons JJ got benched in the first place. Everyone blames the manager, but it was a combination of reckless play and suspect attitude (at best) that got Jones benched.
Then Schalke ripped off 5 straight wins without him, so the manager (Magath) might actually know something.
To have any chance of helping the Nats, Jones needs a move ANYWHERE in January — and his contract going until 2014 won’t help. If Hoffenheim bites, he should take it even if it isn’t the best situation in the world.
b/c after 2 days of training with the USMNT he was far and away the best central midfield option they have had since John O’brien was healthy. He may be a headcase, but the guy has a touch of class now one else in the current midfield holds, (stu holden aside;)
Especially since Chicharito will probably be playing for Mexico this year in the Gold Cup. *GASP*
Maybe we should go back to the Ricardo Clark option then? 😉
Good call.
And we’d *really* like to win the Gold Cup this year.
He’s noticeably better than nearly any of our current DM options.
JJ is 29 years old, missed more than a full year with injury and, shortly after returning, got himself into the manager’s doghouse for being a bad teammate. Remind me again why we need him for the USMNT?
i’d like to see him in the prem more than anything. his style of play fits well and it would be exciting to watch.
maybe he can improve his english a bit too while he’s at it cause he needs to learn how if he’s gonna be hanging out with US players in camp more often
I agree as do the papers writing about it!
Would rather the Prem than Hoffenheim, especially with the manager quitting because of the Gustavo sale. Plus he could fit well there, on any team really.
IMO I think he’d do pretty well in the EPL.
I’m seeing rumours of a switch to the Premier League. Obviously, those are coming from British sources but who knows?
someone give Roy Hodgson JJ’s phone #
They also have Vedad Ibisevic… played college ball at SLU a few years before heading back to Europe
New manager at Hoffenheim, too…
From the rumors that I’ve heard, Magath believed that Jones was leaking team secrets and tactics to the media.
Renken is still with Hoffenheim? Gyau is. Would we then call TSG Hoffenheim “Hoffenheimerica?”
What is the cliff notes version of how Jones got into Magath’s doghouse? I only remember he got capped for the US team few months ago and then Schalke had some
bad performances and he’s being blamed for them?
Perhaps not an optimal situation, but it certainly is better than Schalke reserves, no?
He’s already suffering a disaster, so maybe the fire at Hoffenheim just isn’t as hot.
Given his standing at Schalke, any move is a good one, However, this would be a dicey move. The team is in crisis due to the Gustavo transfer. The long-time manager has quit over the Gustavo move. Jones stepping in to replace Gustavo? This has the potential to be a disaster.
I like it. The owner there has invested a lot to get the club where they are and he can help them. I think it will be a good fit.
Yes, do it. Leave as soon as possible.