If you remember your Econ 101, you'll note that markets are only efficient on a macro level- there are inefficiencies all over the place on a case-by-case basis. Landon's an example- his price just isn't set by normal (efficient) price mechanics. His existing contract, his intangible value as a poster-boy for one of the league's two flagship programs, etc., all combine to make it very hard for his "price" to clear in the international market. Think of it this way-- houses are commodities and have fairly efficient pricing on a large scale (they tend to price very closely to the average price per square foot and price per acre of land in the same neighborhood). That said, you can't just walk up to someone living in what is clearly a $250,000 house and be sure that you'll be able to buy it if you offer to write them a $250,000 check. You might not even be able to get in at a ridiculous 10% premium of $275k. Why? The current occupants just might not want to move- there are enormous intangible factors that play into each individual sale. (which makes you realize that the pricing mechanism for housing doesn't establish the market price of all houses, just the market price of houses "for sale"- a big difference). MLS doesn't really want to sell Landon right now. End of story (until next winter, when they might be ready to sell).
Personally, I think it's more of a "Landon doesn't want to move" story regardless of the potential income to MLS, Galaxy and LD.
LD may well know his physical and mental limit of grey, rainy, beachless days from his Leverkeusen stint(s). Maybe he turns into morose, low energy player if kept out of the sun longer than 10 wks.
Quite possible. The Galaxy will have to be broken up after the 2012 season- they are a salary cap time-bomb waiting to go off. Landon could easily be one of the pieces they move (assuming they can set a price that Everton can afford).
And boy is it great timing to bring in their next DP to transition while Becks still has a year left. Also, if MLS wants to get any money out of him (rather than just resigning him in LA), it MUST be either in summer 2012, or December 2012. After that, he's gone for free, and that's just not smart. So the question is: Sell July/December 2012, or re-sign? I would think at that point Landon would have enough influence on the asking price, and enough sponsor power, to make the price reasonable at his age. He will be worth less as he will be 30. MLS 30 - which is not the same as EPL 30, but 30 nonetheless.
I really think it's more and more likely that Landon moves when his contract is up, and it's all got to do with Everton, and a situation in Europe that fits him perfectly, at least on the field (if Moyes is still there)
How many 32 year old wingers in the EPL? I think he needs to move now if there is any way to swing it....
The real question is how many wingers will be better than an early 30's landon donovan? I'll say not too many.
Landon wants to win the Concachampions with LAG before moving on. And I have a hunch he just might, making it the first MLS win and trip to Japan.
Straight from the man himself: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7571973&categoryid=2731137 a) The Galaxy made it clear he was expected back (i.e. CCL) b) He very much says he will evaluate when this year is over c) He really does love Evertonia and David Moyes EDIT: landondonovan Landon Donovan I am under contract to the Galaxy for the next two years. Who knows what the future will bring after that. Don't let headlines mislead you.
Unsurprisingly I believe Landon has won the Everton Player of the Month award for January. The awards lunch is today I think so should be official later.
Watching him play this year his pace has been less important. He has made good decisions and has combined well with his teammates. I think he would still be valuable at 32 years old especially on a free transfer.
Wow. Well done, Landon. And I do believe he will be back permanently with Everton in December 2012 - I guess technically January 2013....after he's won champions league, US Open Cup, MLS Supporters Shield and another MLS Cup.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/02/14/donovan-set-weekend-return-la-training-camp Landon Donovan's stay with Everton will end one week earlier than originally scheduled. LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena told reporters on Tuesday that his team's captain will return to Los Angeles on Sunday, the day after Everton's FA Cup fixture against Blackpool. "Donovan comes back Sunday," Arena said. "He will be with us for a bit in Tucson before he heads out with the national team."