Donovan, who is now 29, has won just about every team and individual award in Major League Soccer. He’s become the face of US Soccer and makes roughly $2 million a year at the LA Galaxy. The question still remains if Donovan will ever move overseas for more than a loan.

Now, I don’t think that this will happen but I do believe that it would be the best thing for his career.

Donovan has achieved just about everything in MLS including championships and individual accolades. Nobody would fault him for wanting to move overseas and prove he can play for several years in the English Premier League. Here are a few reasons why I think he should make the loan move to Everton a permanent one.

• Good For Both Sides - The move would be good for both Donovan and Everton. It could also prove to be a valuable move for the Galaxy who could use the transfer fee (could be more than $10 million) to rebuild their team. Donovan is in the prime of his career and probably only has 3-4 season where he could be a solid contributor for Everton. The Toffees are not a deep side and saw their form rise when Donovan joined the side in 2010. The Galaxy will be losing their best player but they would get compensated and could go after someone like Didier Drogba or Frank Lampard.
• Donovan Could Increase MLS/EPL Popularity - Some will argue that Donovan leaving hurts MLS but it could actually do the opposite. Clint Dempsey, who started in MLS before moving to Fulham, Donovan having success in the EPL would show that there are quality players in MLS. It would also increase American interest in the Premier League just as Dempsey has done. For example, a Fulham v Everton match could draw very good ratings in the USA because of Donovan and Dempsey.
• Donovan Needs To Prove He Can Make It Europe - While Donovan did shut up some critics with his 2010 loan with Everton, there are still some questions. He has yet to play a full season in Europe and doing that with Everton would cement his place as one of the best American players. In his short time in 2010, Donovan quickly became a fan favorite and he could possibly become a legend at Goodison Park if he were to have a productive 3-4 seasons. He would also put to rest all the missed opportunities and bad memories of his failed stints in Germany.

As I said before, I doubt that Donovan will stay any longer than expected (late February). Everton are unlikely to have the money necessary for a transfer and the Galaxy probably won’t accept a transfer. You can never say never but the chances of Donovan staying at Everton long-term are probably 5% of less. Of course, there will probably be speculation with reports of Chelsea to bid 20 million pounds for Everton’s Jack Rodwell. In theory, they could use part of that to bid for Donovan but the recent history shows that Everton are more likely to keep that money than spend it on transfers.

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Los Angeles Galaxy captain Landon Donovan will once again return to England for a loan spell. Donovan, who had struggled to make his mark in Europe, became a fan favorite when he arrived at Everton in January 2010. The American quickly showed he could play in the EPL as he helped Everton to a draw with Arsenal as well as wins against Manchester United and Chelsea.

Donovan said the following on twitter after the loan deal was announced.

Once a Toffee, always a Toffee

Everton manager David Moyes had the following comments.

“I am delighted that we have managed to get Landon back. He will give us some good experience over January and February. 

“He did well for us when he was over two years ago and hopefully will return with those same qualities.

“His season has just finished and like last time we need him to hit the ground running because the games come thick and fast at this time of year.”

Donovan, since returning in 2010 to MLS, spoke about his eagerness to return to Goodison Park.

“The opportunity to return to Everton and play for such a well-respected club and a manager that I hold in such high regard was something that was simply too good to pass up.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Everton in 2010 and I’m hopeful that we can experience similar success this time around.

“I want to thank David Moyes and Bruce Arena, as well as executives from both clubs and Major League Soccer for allowing me this unique and special opportunity.”

The deal will start on January 4th (EPL match against Bolton) and conclude on February 25th (Merseyside derby versus Liverpool). It’s very unlikely this loan will be extended for the rest of the season or to a permanent move. The Galaxy have set a high price tag on Donovan and Everton have limited financial resources.

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In Episode 10 of our podcast, we talk with ESPN.com writer Jeff Carlisle who gives his thoughts on the MLS Cup Final and the future of David Beckham. Jeff (@jeffreycarlisle on twitter) also discusses the USA National Team and Olympic tournament at London 2012. You can listen to the episode at the embedded player below as well as past episodes are at http://the90thminute.libsyn.com

The 90th Minute Podcast – Episode 10 Featuring Jeff Carlisle

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In Episode 9 of our podcast, we talk with Yahoo! Sports Martin Rogers to preview the MLS Cup Final between the LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo. Martin (@mrogersyahoo on twitter) also gives his thoughts on David Beckham’s future and whether he’ll return to MLS or play in Europe. You can listen to the episode at the embedded player below as well as past episodes are at http://the90thminute.libsyn.com

The 90th Minute Podcast – Episode 9 Featuring Martin Rogers

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Los Angeles Galaxy captain and USA international Landon Donovan has ruled out a short-term loan in the upcoming winter transfer window. Donovan had been targeted by several EPL clubs but he’s decided to take some time off and forego another loan spell. While Fulham and Newcastle United were potential destinations, Donovan was likely to return to Everton if he had returned overseas.

LA Galaxy manager had the following comment on the decision.

“We think in the best interest of the club and the player that Landon continues his postseason break and begins preparations for what will be a challenging year in 2011 at both the domestic and international levels,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. “We expect Landon to join our club for the start of preseason training next month as we begin to prepare for the 2011 MLS season.”

Donovan had the following statement on the decision.

“I feel it is important to continue to rest and recover this off-season as opposed to going on loan.”

“I enjoyed my time at Everton last season and still appreciate all the support their fans have given me,” he added.

“I never considered being loaned to a club other than Everton, but I have been playing nearly non-stop for the past two years and I believe that this decision will allow me to perform at my best for the Galaxy and the national team throughout the upcoming year.

“I look forward to rejoining my Galaxy team-mates for the start of pre-season training next month and beginning our quest for another MLS Cup championship.”

The decision could be the best for Donovan as he has had little break in the last year. Donovan started 2010 with Everton on a loan deal, started the MLS season with the Galaxy, played at the 2010 World Cup, and then returned to the Galaxy to finish the season. Overall, he’s basically had no break for a year and showed signs of fatigue towards the end of the MLS season.

By deciding to not return to England, he’ll get more time off and be fully ready for the 2011 MLS season and the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. On the other hand, Donovan will only have so many opportunities to play overseas and many think he should take advantage while he’s still capable.

What do you think? Is it a good decision by Donovan or should he have returned to the EPL for another loan deal?

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Landon Donovan has yet to decide if he will return to the EPL for a short-term loan but numerous clubs are rumored to be interested. Donovan joined Everton last winter for a very successful stint but it’s unsure if the American will return in 2011.

The main concern for Donovan is fatigue since he’s virtually played year round for the last several seasons. In 2010, Donovan started at Everton, joined the LA Galaxy, went to the World Cup, and then returned to the Galaxy. The wear and tear of playing for 10-11 months straight showed in the MLS playoffs.

When questioned about a possible move back to the EPL, Donovan has said he will take some time before he decides. It was almost a given that he would join Everton if he decided to a loan deal but that may not be the case. Fulham and Newcastle United are the clubs (besides Everton) rumored to be interested in a deal. While a move to those clubs isn’t impossible, it seems that Everton would probably be his first choice.

Donovan should be deciding soon if he’s going to go overseas for a loan deal and wouldn’t be a shock if he decided to rest and stay in the USA. The one clear thing seems to be that a permanent move is unlikely as the Galaxy would likely only sell for a significant transfer fee (probably around $15 million or 10 million pounds).

What do you think? Should Donovan return for a loan deal? If so, should he go back to Everton or consider Newcastle or Fulham? Any chance of a permanent move?

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Landon Donovan, who went on loan to Everton last winter, has said he won’t make a decision for this upcoming transfer window until next month. The American has had a very busy season with the three months at Goodison Park, the 2010 World Cup, and the 2010 MLS Season.

Donovan said the following when asked if he’d return in January for another loan deal.

“My plan is to rest over the next few weeks,” Donovan told the L.A. Times, “and get in a mental place where I can make a proper decision. If you asked me today, I would probably say no because my body is exhausted. If you ask me in two months, I’d probably say yeah because I’m excited again.”

LD knows that a permanent move is not likely as the Galaxy have put a high price tag on him and a club like Everton would be unlikely to pay it (estimated to be at least $10 million). Unless he picks up an injury or anything, it seems likely he’ll return as Everton are struggling (and could definitely use him) and Donovan knows he won’t have many more chances to play in the EPL.

What do you think? Should Donovan return for another stint with Everton? Would it be a good move for Everton and/or should they consider paying the transfer fee to make it a permanent move?

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Landon Donovan, who’s currently in the MLS playoffs, could return again for a loan deal in the English Premier League. Donovan impressed with a loan deal last winter at Everton and does have the option in his Galaxy contract to allow for a move this winter.

Manager David Moyes has recently stated Donovan would return this upcoming January for another deal but its not a certainty. Donovan has had a very busy season with the World Cup, the stint with Everton, and the MLS season so it’s unclear if he’ll want any time off or be ready to go overseas.

While Donovan would likely go to Everton if he went overseas, Newcastle United have emerged as another possible team. They reportedly are interested in the American but would probably only happen if Everton declined a loan deal or they were to come up with the money for a transfer (estimated to be around 10-11 million pounds).

Either way, it seems a good chance Donovan will once again be in the EPL a few months and it’s not out of the question he could make a permanent move. If the Galaxy were to win the MLS Cup this season, then it’s more likely he’d lean toward more than a loan deal.

Donovan has accomplished virtually everything in MLS (titles, individual awards, et etc) and time is running out for him to play in the EPL. If he doesn’t make a move to Europe by the winter, then it’s probably not ever going to happen.

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It has now come out that Everton made a final bid for Landon Donovan but it was declined by the Los Angeles Galaxy. Everton seemed the only realistic option if Donovan were to leave the Galaxy but the deal never happened. It’s unclear how much the Galaxy were asking for (rumored to be aroudn $16 million or around 10 million pounds) or if they would even accept any offer.

It is clear that Donovan would have accepted a transfer after his very successful loan stint in Everton last winter. Another loan deal could happen, especially if there are injury concerns at Goodison Park, this upcoming winter as Donovan does have a clause in his contract that allows this.

A permanent move for Donovan to Europe is still not out of the question and could likely be dependent on the outcome of the current MLS season. If the Galaxy are able to win the 2010 MLS Cup, then it’s possible the club will be more likely to cash in during the offseason. Another factor affecting a possible deal would be if the Galaxy are able to sign a player like Ronaldinho next year (was rumored this season but could happen next summer) to replace Donovan.

At this point, it doesn’t seem that Donovan will leave the Galaxy on any permanent deal if they didn’t make a move after the 2010 World Cup. His price tag for a transfer will likely only drop at this point as he’s not getting any younger and won’t attract a lot of attention worldwide while playing in MLS.

Ironically, Donovan will likely have a role similar to what Beckham has done which is to play most of the MLS regular season and then join a club in Europe during the off-season (winter months).

What do you think of this news? Are the LA Galaxy and/or MLS not willing to let Donovan transfer to a side like Everton a bad move? Would they actually benefit by having one of their top players go to one of the top leagues in the world? Or is it just not fair and a bad publicity move to not let Donovan move to Everton?

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On Sunday, the Kansas City Wizards hosted Manchester United and MLS commissioner Don Garber was in attendance for the match. At halftime, he took some questions from press as well as unveiled the model of the upcoming stadium for the Wizards (to be ready in 2011).

I was at that match and the press conference with the commissioner. The first question he was asked was about the Landon Donovan and a possible transfer. Recently Garber had stated the league had no intention to let Donovan go and planned to keep him in MLS. On Sunday, Garber softened his stance a bit and stated that it was really up to Donovan and the Galaxy if he was going to accept a transfer overseas.

I noticed that Garber tried to change the perception that he’s blocking a move or keeping Donovan from making a move to the EPL. Is this a sign that a move could be in the works? Well, it’s not clear but his comments are much more encouraging for those who want a move for the American to England.

The most likely scenario for Donovan would be for him to finish out the MLS season and join a side on a permanent move in the winter (or at the least another loan deal).

What do you think will happen? Share your comments below.

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