Except for the most part his "club situation" is due to injury. I still think if he's fit and contributing there's no way a team with 14 points "freezes him out" at this time. The idea that "we don't want to waste time on his development" trumps "we'd rather not drop another league" is kinda nutso. But Soto has to stay healthy long enough to make his case on the field.
He was certainly given a spot in the last roster in October: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/20...-roster-for-u-23-usmnt-training-camp-in-miami But overall his inability to stay healthy and less than desirable club situation may really hinder him. Taking a look at that roster and I am seeing a big bias towards the MLS.... I guess that is a common theme up and down the system :-(
What other Euro-based U-23 center forwards are not getting called but should? Toye has scored in consecutive friendlies for the U-23 team (El Salvador and Japan) so he should go. Ebobisse will be on the upcoming roster, and he had 10+ goals for Portland. He should go. Soto is regularlly called up to the U-23 team after the U-20 WC but he is injured. On the upcoming team, Saucedo, Sabbi, Lewis, Lennon are wingers, not in competition with Soto. I generally don't have many problem with the U-23 roster selections. The other U-23 forward options in Europe are rather unconvincing.. Haji Wright?
He's been injured. It is impossible to know. He made the bench for a sr. game in Oct. then promptly hurt himself again. I'm not saying I know he was good enough to grab a slot, but there's simply not enough data to know either way. Been a tough 6 months for Soto due to contract and injuries. But if injuries aren't chronic it will be a short blip in his career. He'll need to get healthy and prove himself again someplace, H96 or US team or next club.
A Chilean article that hints that Ajax is interested: After his exhibition at the U20 World Cup, Ajax appeared as one of those interested in the American who can still act for Chile. This is the panorama of the striker with little space in Hannover 96.
He is now back in full training and with a new coach. It could be an important last month for him this year.
Soto made the matchday squad. Just needed 1 guy to be suspended and 2 to be unfit/injured to make it. Who knows whether he'll play or not.
It really sucks for Soto to be relegated to the reserves of a Bundesliga.2 side after proving he was worth so much more than that at the u-20 FIFA World Cup. One would think he had a lot of suitors, but I imagine that has cooled since... If he could latch onto Jong Ajax for the rest of the season, maybe play a little for both the senior team and Jong Ajax next year, and make the jump full time the following year, I think he still would be on the right track. Only problem with that is a lot of variables need to fall into place.
On the bench: Zunächst auf der #H96-Bank:#Esser#Prib#Soto#Ducksch#Stendera#Aogo#Horn#Ostrzolek#Tarnat#H96AUE #NiemalsAllein ⚫️⚪️💚— Hannover 96 (@Hannover96) December 7, 2019 DNP in 3-2 win.
Word. I am generally in favor of young USMNT hopefuls trying their hand in Europe... but riding the bench for a Bundesliga 2 Team is not the kind of experience Soto needs. He would be better off starting in the MLS.
Poor kid can't sniff the field and they are falling further in the 2nd division.... must really be in the doghouse to not get any playing time.
You act surprised. He came back from a successful WC and his club wanted to sign him to a new contract (with one year left on his current) and he balked. Pretty good reason for them to not give two shits about his development. Pure speculation on my part, but if he's not the best option currently then his team has no interest in giving him minutes to continue to develop him.
Makes sense... and puts me at ease somewhat about his situation. It is kind of a lost year for him... but at least he is assured to get out of that sinking ship. Perhaps he will get a shot to score some goals if they drop a bit further into the relegation zone of Bundisliga 2? Hannover has really gone the wrong direction.
I think his injuries have been the problem (after the initial freeze out). At some point, if their low gf production continues, they will need to toss him in. Ducksch got a YC in his sub appearance today fwiw.
I think if he doesn't extend (which seems very doubtful) he should leave in Winter. Staying the full season could make him waste the full season. H96 are already having players like Gudra and Stehle from the U19 train with the 1st team. If your the club integrate players who would stay or one who wants to jump ship? They might not play before Winter break but Camp is a good way to change things......Even fans think the same, if he stays and doesn't extend don't think anyone wants him playing when others are knocking. besides H96 only play 1 uptop, struggling club very unlikely to start a youngster with no real experience uptop. Only 1 game to go before Winter transfer too, which could also open the door for them to loan in someone or buy. On top of this, Soto's return to the matchday squads coincides with the cheekbone injury of Teuchert.
Hamburg need goals - they have 20 on the season. Only Dynamo, Sandhausenm, and Darmstadt have less. Weisbaden also have 20. They are 13th, 7 points off the bottom. I have to think if their goal scoring stays mediocre and Soto looks like he can steal a point or two he will get a good shot. With only 1 game left before winter break, I think it's pretty unlikely they make any kind of deal that makes sense for anyone at this point - he hasn't played much recently, so someone would really need to take a roll on an relatively unproven striker - meaning a club is pretty desperate - and is Soto the guy you go for? Or, if clubs aren't in desperate need, they'll wait till June.
Unless his contract has a release clause. Then again, why would someone activate it for a player who isn't getting PT now and will be available on a free in the summer.