I would have made this a poll, but there are to many choices. Big move means a move to a good top-flight league in Europe or South America. In my opinion the 3 nats who are most likely to make a big move soon are Claudio Reyna and John O'Brien. Reyna- is a top flight quality player and I imagine someone in England or some other league will make an offer for him when Sunderland head down to Division I. Sorry Sunderland fans, but you know your going down, though I think that if the Sunderland board give him some transfer money and freedom, Mick will have you guys back up after just one season. O'Brien- I think will be part of the usual Ajax exodus, though he may stay if an oppurtunity in the midfield comes up from another player moves. I think O'Brien is the only field Yank who would have the pure technical ability to maybe get a place at a really strong club in England, Italy, or Spain. Sanneh- After playing at a World Class quality I've never seen from an American player in the World Cup Sanneh returned to Nurnberg with expectations on him, and the added pressure of people linking him to the likes of Arsenal. Well he played fair, but with his wages and the standard he played at in the World Cup he needed to be more than fair. He seems to be at odds with the management there now, and I wouldn't be shocked if he left for a lower table squad in England, or maybe even another German side. Some other people who I think have a solid chance: DMB- seems to want to make a move, but I can't see him playing for anything better than a club that has to fight for top flight status every year with his crossing inabillity. Although he might could be converted to forward, I think he would be a good fit in Holland, where speed is good and they develop skills well. Donovan- even though he doesn't seem to want to go back I think he may at some point. Then again I assume he's still dating that really hot actress in California so I can see why he would want to stay. Mathis- he wants to go, he has the ability, but he will have to get in better shape if he expects to succeed accross the pond. Bocanegra- this is my dark-horse canidate, he has a lot of qualities scouts look for in a defender, he's young, and he is rapidly becoming a mainstay for the national team. I think a he will catch the eye of a scout from England or Germany looking for young and steady defenders who have some offensive abilities in the next couple of years People who would shock me, but not to much: Wolff- I think he has the ability be a very proliphic forward in the 2nd tier leagues, but his lack of size, inconsitent finishing, and injury problems might hamper him. Razov- lost amongst our World Cup run was the fact that in MLS Razov proved that, despite his sometimes percieved arrogance and inconsitent national team play, that he is a very good league poacher. He already had a solid stint in the Spanish 2nd division, and was linked with Bolton of the EPL and Kilmarnock of SPL a year ago. I wouldn't be too suprised if a squad in a league like Scotland or Portugal, or maybe even the English 1st division, gave him a look. Mastro- he had a very good World Cup when he had to step in for Armas. He can play an enforcing midfield position or in the back. Anyone else you guys think should be included? Your opinions? Breaking news on people being interested in one of our guys?
also in the "Would suprise me but not to much" group add. McBride- he did well at Everton, MLS wants good money for him. He has the ability to be a regular for mid-tier sides in most leagues, but he's not young, he has been in Columbus for a while now and his family is settled their, and MLS clearly won't sell him for peanuts. I think when he re-signed with MLS he told them he wanted to play in Europe just for the expierience and they had already worked out the loan deal. Now I just think he will stay here.
I think we will see a lot of US players starting out with European clubs (a la JOB) and I think that there willl be no major moves until the Olympics are over. I realize thats a year and a half, but you figure guys like Landon, DMB, Convey, etc will just be coming into their own. Also I would think Howard could be looked at (I believe he can also get a EU passport, but I could be mistaken). And what would a thread be if there was no mention of Freddy Adu?
Beat me to it. I'd also add that 1 or 2 others from the u17 team may go abroad after teh World Championships in August.
It'll most likely be somebody who is either an amateur now (such as a youth Nat) or someone whose contract is up at the end of the season. I'm fairly sure Mathis is the highest-profile example of this... Anyone else?
Reyna is in an interesting situation. He's injured, the team he plays for is going to be relegated, and he's one of the very few players who can be auctioned off high. The first and last fact argue with each other. Reyna is amazing, but he's injury is big and he is old. I can see a lower table team taking him, but he is going to be hard to sell at a decent price. Mathis' chances of going to Europe are horrible at best. Mathis is a premadona (sp?). After the World Cup he played this bad boy image the best he could. He has a reputation for not giving his all in practices. He gets injuries like he's friggin Ozzie Osbourne. He is way out of shape. Mathis has one season to not only erase all of these images, but to also proove he can score. No European team wants to put cash out for a mediocre player who acts like a kid, gets injured like an old man, and is as flashy as a woman. I completely concur with Bocanegra. I hope to see Bocanegra playing for a UEFA Cup team soon. I can't believe he isn't getting more attention. As for my picks, I really hope Twellman goes foreign soon. People seem to think he had a good season and that he won't repeat his success. I dissent. He has skill, athleticism, and most of all, youth. I would not be surprised to see this kid make his way to the likes of Everton. He's a hitman, pure and simple. He finishes spectacularly. The only 'Nat I've seen that can finish as consistently as him is Brian McBride and McBride is aerial. Twellman is all around. Of course there are a bunch of U-17 prospects. OH! I EXPECT Mastroeni to be in Europe soon. He's a grunt worker. He has stated he wants to go to Europe, he had an excellent World Cup, he's in top shape, he's huge. I see him playing in the Bundaesliga(sp?) if nowhere else. I will be surprised if he isn't playing in Europe. Question for everyone: Where do you think JOB would play and what position? He's established himself as a quality Left-Midfielder as per the World Cup and he has shown he is an amazing Left Wingback for Ajax. I think he has the ability to play for other teams. I'd like to see him head to top level Spainish team (Hey, Roberto Carlos is getting kind of old....) but I don't know if he could adjust to Spainish play. Comments on why I'm an idiot?
No European team wants to put cash out for a mediocre player who acts like a kid, gets injured like an old man, and is as flashy as a woman UNLESS THEY'RE ITALIAN. There. Much better. Fortunately, Mathis is not mediocre. He is flashy. If gets over his injuries and has a good year for the Metros and for the US at the Confed cup, I can see him going over.
here's my picks for the next big Yank move(s): Reyna: We all know Sunderland is 1st Division bound and they are going to unload players. Reyna will be one of them and based on his age and proness to injury some EPL team will get a good bargain. I really honestly think it will be Leeds. If I'm not mistaken, Leeds want to reshape their squad with cheaper established players and Reyna would be a great asset to their squad. Mathis: This will be the make or break year for Mathis. He obviously has the skill but he has to have the desire. Maybe captaining a few games for the Nats in the winter lit a match under his butt. I think if he gets in top shape and proves he's got the mentality and maturity he'll gain interest form several of the top half of Bundesliga teams like Hertha Berlin, Hamburg, 1860 Munich, ect. Mastroeni: His size, his ability to read the game, and he adequate passing are all reasons for him to gain interest form aborad. I really think his style suits the Bundesliga and like Mathis would fit into most teams in the top half of the table. Although I really would love to see Mastro at Ajax. They could mold him into a "total footballer" like they done for JOB. JOB: He'll stay put for the time being. The reason is Ajax will hold onto him as long as possible, therefore his price tag will go up and they can get two players at the price of one. But eventually I see JOB venturing into the La Liga (like Valencia, Real Betis, or Athletico) or Serie A (like Parma or Lazio). Bocanegra: Euro teams will secretly keep tabs on him thoughout the season. Then next thing you know he'll be leaving for a good team and making good cash. I would love to see him in the EPL but I don't think he can secure an everyday starting job but i could be wrong. I see him linking up with a 1st division club like Preston, Reading, or Wolves. However, I'm not a huge fan of the French league but I think he could play well for a club like Marseille or Lens.
1st-mathis sucks 2nd-mastroeni could probably play for a decent team. a lower tier UEFA Cup team. 3rd-Sanneh could make a nice move if he regains for 4th-i hope JOB stays at Ajax.
my guesses... Reyna - Central Midfielders who can control play are valued in England. In terms of controlling the flow, a healthy Reyna is on the same level as Keane, Veron, Viera, and Pires. He has to prove that he can come all the way back from injury. If he can do that there will be all sorts of interesting oppurtunities. Liverpool had all kinds of problems linking from the midfield to the forwards. And most of the problems centered around Stephen Gerrard. Leeds just hired Peter Reid and you know he is a fan of Reyna. I've always thought that the center of Newcaste's defense was the biggest problem they had. It constantly leaves their talented backline out to dry. O'Brien - Van der Vaart and Chivu have both said they want to return to Ajax for another season. If this happen they'll probably be one of the favorites to win the Champions League and there is no way O'Brien is gonna leave. I'd be happy if he spent the rest of his career at Ajax. He is an automatic starter for a high quality club, plays against the best in Champions League, and doesn't have a greuling Domestic schedule to go through. Mastroeni - I think he is a perfect fit for MLS. Personally, I don't think he has enough offensive ability to play as a midfielder in of the major European leagues. If your thinking about a D-Mid to make the hop look no further than the hyped Ricardo Clark. Bocanegra - I like him going to any of the leagues in Europe. Big, strong, athletic, good pace, good in the area, smart, and most importantly, has ball skills. What more could you ask for in a central defender? Its just a matter of time for him and he could be gone in the summer transfer period. Especially after ConFed Cup Mathis - Bust. If he doesn't get over the hump this season then he can be officially tagged as the biggest waste of talent this side of Jovan Kirovski. Nobody with his ability to hit the ball, pass the ball, and with his creativity should be this friggin invisible. DaMarcus Beasley - hmmmm. He might goto Europe but I'mnot sure how much playing time he'll get. He can't cross the ball. Period. Not exactly a good thing for a wide midfielder. He definatly has to bulk up. He wouldn't be able to handle the punishment of an EPL schedule. Convey - I think he has the best upside as a midifelder over anyone we have not named John O'Brien. He is incredibly smooth on the ball, he is already one of our best crossers, he is patient but is also has good pace, he can defend, he can pretty much do anything a central, a left, or an attacking midfielder would ever want to do.
Today in JOB's online chat: (paraphrased) Q: Is it time for you to learn another language? In other words, would a move to an Italian or Spanish club be appealing to you? A: Yes. The level of play in Holland, compared to the rest of Europe, isn't great. I am interested in going to another league. But we'll see if that happens.
barcelona have shown some interest in JOB, but i also think most of the AJAX squad are coming back for another run
Johnny O has talked in the press a few times about playing somewhere warm, like Italy or Spain. Fair enough, he's from LA. Amsterdam is only warm and sunny in the coffee bars, and he don't hang out in those anyway. On the other hand, it's a great city to mature as a player. Less pressure from fans and media than in Spain or Italy (huge understatement), and a great team to 'grow old with' right now. Ajax will try to keep him, 'specially since Chivu is gone gone gone at seasons' end. Sorry, John Boy. No room in the Ajax midfield for you. You're too valuable in defense!
Per the Soccer America cover story earlier this year, DaMarcus Beasley's contract ends after this season. Assuming this is true, he is a candidate to go, especially since he's said he wants to go to Europe. We all know Clint Mathis' contract is up after this year. Eddie Pope and Ben Olsen also have their contracts end after this season. Olsen and Mathis have made no secret of their desires to try Europe and Pope hinted after his trade that he would explore. That could be contract posturing but perhaps Eddie figures Europe is the one thing he hasn't done. I would guess how this season goes in NJ will have a big impact on whether he stays or goes. Now, whether they go to a "big" club in Europe, I have no idea. But, even mid-tier clubs can pay them more than they're making in MLS and provide more atmosphere than they get in MLS. If those are the things they are seeking, they don't have to go to Arsenal or Inter to get them. A nice mid-tier team like Tottenham or Schalke, etc... can provide that. BTW, anyone know of any other top MLS players whose contracts end after this year?
Supposedly Bocanegra's, Mathis' and now Beasley's contracts are up. Even with an inconsistent season Mathis can make more money in Bundesliga 2nd or the First Division than he can in MLS. I agree that Germany would be a good place for Mastroeni, but does anyone know when his deal ends?
two possibilities that haven't been mentioned: quaranta and ed johnson. both were rumored to be leaving over the summer. although those rumors may not have had much credit, both are young talented forwards involved in the US youth system. a good showing either in international competitions or in mls this season could propel them to contracts in europe.
I hate to open this up again but EJ and Tino were rumored to be training at Man Utd last summer, altough this never marterialized. They could be two players who would end up in the reserves at a decent club and then maybe get to the first team once they are 21-22. If they play well maybe they could go to even larger clubs. I really think that if Eddie is able to unseat Bobby Rhine at Dallas he can produce interest from some decent European Sides.
I don't know if hes been mentioned yet but Freddy Adu along with Fredua could make moves down the line Seriously... Reyna looks like the one to be most imminent because of the relegation of Sunderland. I think due to his lack of time at Hannover 96 that Conor Casey may return to Borrussia Dortmund to play in the reserves, hopefully not, but likely all the same. This could mean a move for him if he is unhappy. It seems that Gregg Berhalter may leave relegation bound Cottbus and you gotta hope that Corey Gibbs leaves St. Pauli before they get relegate AGAIN. Sanneh is a big question mark. With the news of Tim Howard he presents another interesting situation. You have the DMB if he learns to cross, Donovan if he ever realizes that he eventually will have to leave here. Bocanegra... has gone on trial at Feyenoord, so there is foreign interest there. Mathis ... as much as i hope not to curse him, has the potential to be the blockbuster deal of the offseason if he is able to play well this year. I have heard rumors of Pope leaving NY/NJ after his contract is up. Ben Olsen is a possiblity but he will move to a smaller side unlike many of his national team teammates. JOB has the skill but Ajax is becoming competative and there is talk of this being the second golden generation (the original being 95'). I have to wonder what Joe Cannon will do after Lens. Perhaps Wade Barret will leave Denmark for France or Holland but i can't see him going anywhere larger. I think foreign teams should start taking interest in Edson Buddle he has made a very promising start with Columbus this past weekend. And if he bulks up you could see Kyle Martino making a move down the line. Now some of these are just specualative and the players career could take a turn for the worst but I will repeat the ones with the most likelihood of making the big move. Next Year: Beasely Mathis Pope Bocanegra Reyna 2-3 Years: JOB -Rob
I'd say Adu is gone in a year or two. MLS blew it big time by not letting him sign, especiialy after he made it clear he wants to play overseas. And if you don't think he has enough reasons to go, I think Inter could come up with 750,000 of them. I know Cory Ashe is creating a lot of stir with Adu on the U-17s. And then there are the three or four kids that have already signed recently with juggernauts, like Frank Simek (the other kid that just signed with Arsenal), and the kid who just signed, or is about to sign with ManUtd. Plus, Tim Howard is being looked at by ManUtd. Tino and Convey probably in the next few years. I'd love to see DMB go to Ajax for a few years to develop. And since Bocanegra seems like the sexy choice, I'll go with him as well. cheers.
Yeah, except maybe FC Bayern Munich, but hey they suck don't they. And with Elber, Claudio Pizarro, and Roque Santa Cruz they would take just about anybody up front.
Reyna will not get a 'big' move. He has played in EPL and Bundesliga. So he has been in the big league. A 'big' move means going to a bigger and better club. His injuries and age will put off the big clubs. He will be likely to find a small club in the big leagues. That will be just a move for him.
Uhm, I don't know if you are agreeing with me or if you are beraiding (sp?) me with sarcasm. I think its the later and if so... Munchen was one of the teams reported to have interest in Mathis right after his game against Germany (pre-World Cup, his two goal game). A very good game for him. All I can say is that Munchen could probably afford someone much better than Mathis and they realize that now. Interest doesn't constitute desire to hire. The sad truth is that Mathis has one year to proove he is as good as he was two years ago. One year to proove he can show the brilliance he did against Korea day in and day out. One year to proove he is slightly more stable than a JDAM Missle hit bunker. One year to proove he is more walk than he is talk. I could go into the psychological view of Mathis from Germans' end, but I'll save that for later.