Americans who might transfer to Europe from MLS in the winter transfer window
There are more and more Americans playing abroad in the top European leagues. This winter transfer window should see even more leave MLS to Europe. So who will leave and where were they go? A few players have already confirmed their moves but others are yet to make a decision. Here’s a list of possible transfers of American players to Europe during this upcoming (2010) winter transfer window. These are just a list of a few players and there will likely be more that have opportunities as the window starts in January. Feel free to share your comments below at the end of the post.
Landon Donovan – Los Angeles Galaxy – linked with EPL club Everton
Donovan is still regarded as the best outfield player for the USA National Team in history and has recently been linked with English Premier League Everton. Fellow American Tim Howard is at Everton and the club is in need of players during the transfer window. The move is likely to be a short loan move and could only last until the start of the MLS season. The chance of the move seems highly likely and will be Donovan’s chance to prove he can make it in Europe. In the summer there was interest from other clubs (Paris St-Germain in France and Livorno in Italy) but these deals never happened.
Stuart Holden – Houston Dynamo – linked with Rangers
Holden has been a rising star and had an excellent 2009 that has brought attention from European clubs. He has been linked with Rangers as manager Walter Smith has expressed interest. Holden is Scottish born and also has interest from his hometown of Aberdeen but a move seems unlikely. The American is likely to have offers from other European leagues but Rangers have been the only club to make it public. He could remain in MLS but would likely have to receive a significant pay raise. At this point it seems very likely Holden will make a move overseas but still unclear where he will end up.
Ricardo Clark – Houston Dynamo – linked with ????
Clark has already told the Dynamo he won’t return as his contract has ended. His destination is not as clear as there’s not been much talk or news reports of clubs that have expressed interest. He did have some talks with Livorno of the Serie A but its not clear if a move will be done. His destination is likely to be in Italy or Germany which suits his style. Its almost certain that Clark won’t be with any MLS club and will find a home in Europe. He currently is one of the main options in central defensive midfield for the USA and would benefit greatly from playing in the Bundesliga or Serie A.
Sacha Kljestan – Chivas USA – linked with ????
Kljestan had lots of attention from clubs last winter as he had a trial with SPL club Celtic but stayed with Chivas USA. After impressing with the USA National Team in early 2009, Sacha struggled to make the starting line-up for World Cup Qualifying. Kljestan also had interest from clubs in the Dutch Eredivisie but a move this winter transfer window doesn’t seem as likely. His stock definitely has gone down but that could also mean his transfer price would be lower and a more viable options for European teams. If he wants a chance to get playing time and make the roster in South Africa, Kljestan needs to make a move to one of the top European leagues. It’s anyone’s guess at this point if and where he will end up.
December 11, 2009 - 10:42 AM
Dont forget Chris Rolfe leaving. Im also interested to see who funnels back in this winter with MLS’ stock rising. Danny Califf already looks like a lock to be with the Union, and rumors persist that Jeremiah White will sign with MLS. Eddie Johnson and Damarcus Beasley are both on the the move – though neither has mentioned a move home as a high priority. There has also been speculation that out of contract AA Adin Brown will sign a domestic contract. Guess we will have to wait and see.