Paul Arriola is less than a year removed from a turn ACL, and if his recent performances for the U.S. Men’s National Team weren’t already a clear indication he is back, his next move should provide more opportunity for him to show he is back to his best.
Arriola finalized a last-minute loan deal to Swansea City for the rest of the English League Championship season, both D.C. United and Swansea announced on Monday. Arriola’s loan does not include an option to buy, and D.C. United has the right to recall the winger before the MLS Primary Transfer Window closes on May 4th.
“We have spoken with Paul and we understand how exciting this step is for him in his professional career,” D.C. United GM and VP of Soccer Operations Dave Kasper said in a statement. “We wish Paul the best of luck and look forward to him rejoining our club.”
Arriola had been linked with a move to Steve Cooper’s squad this January Transfer Window and will now join international teammate Jordan Morris, who also signed for the Swans on loan this month. The U.S. Men’s National Team duo will aim to lead Swansea City back to the English Premier League, a place where they haven’t been since 2018.
The 25-year-old Arriola is back in action after missing most of the 2020 MLS season after suffering a torn ACL in preseason camp. Arriola fought his way back to feature for D.C. United on the last day of the regular season and has also appeared in a pair of USMNT friendlies.
Arriola has totaled 70 combined appearances for the Black and Red since his move from Club Tijuana, scoring 14 goals and adding 12 assists. The California native signed a new long-term contract extension for D.C. United last summer, but could significantly boost his transfer value with a good showing in England.
Swansea City sits in second place in the EFL Championship, six points behind leaders Norwich City for top spot, and two points ahead of Brentford for the second automatic promotion spot in the standings.
It’s a good thing Berhalter has his favorites otherwise this loan may not have ever happened.
So, is Dike a favorite of Greg’s already too? Because he played him in the friendly versus T&T the other night to help him qualify for a transfer to Barnsley! Point is, this idea that Berhalter chooses certain players over others because they are his favorites is a bit overblown, when it really could just be that they are good players that he sees as tactically good for the senior team and he wants them tested at a higher level…it doesn’t have to always be a conspiracy within the USMNT
When Arriola was a backup in Liga Mx, why isn’t Arriola called, he’s in a better league? Moves to MLS, Arriola is trash what moron would call him? Moves to Championship, Berhalter is a lizard man member of the deep state soccer federation so it means nothing.
This was a sarcastic post in response to a chronic poster on this site who is a GB hater (no matter what he does) and complained about Arriola being included in the last two camps.
Hopefully these loans work for Arriola & Morris. It should provide them an opportunity to train & see competitive matches while MLS resolves the CBA.
May also help keep them in the conversation for the USMNT A-Team as more and more young European player options continue to get increased minutes.
The longer the hold out goes, the more it’s likely to impact the MLS players who didn’t get a Loan deal (Mueller, Lewis, etc…) while helping to boost the Euro players…Pulisic (healthy), Weah, Boyd (Loan), Reyna, Morris (Loan), Arriola (Loan), Konrad
considering we’re not deep at the wing position and some of the younger players are just not there yet consistently, Morris and Arriola were always going to be a part of the A team. Morris has been one of the bright spots for the senior team for over a year, and scored the most goals(if my memory serves me correctly)last year for the team, so I don’t know how that was even a question tbh. GB loves Arriola’s 2 way ability and you need those sort of players in your team. !
I”m happy to see Arriola making a solid come-back last night. It’s good to see him healthy again.