If Dallas does lose Pepi next window, I could see them taking a flyer on Soto… not sure what the allocation process is for him. But he could potentially give them a low risk-high reward replacement who plays a similar style.
From the little that is out there it sounds like it's a mixture of receiving bad advice from people around him and Sebastian just needing to humble himself a bit. In fairness Soto was viewed by many as our top 9 prospect not that long ago. It seems like everything just went south after the PSV move fell through. Became a distraction at Hanover, and it has been all downhill sense. Still a young player. Just again needs to put the work in
On the bench: 🇵🇹 Liga 2🧐🇺🇸vs🇺🇸Sebastian Soto and CJ Dos Santos on opposing benches pic.twitter.com/tI9TpYTqq7— 🇺🇸 ⚽ east (@eastdeflection) January 10, 2022
Even in youth tournaments, he seemed very stiff. I'm not surprised he's not effective against adults.
The Porto move is done. Soto is now off to Livingston Livingston FC is thrilled to announce the loan signing of @USMNT international Sebastian Soto from English @premierleague side @NorwichCityFC until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.Welcome @Sebastian9Soto! 👋🏻— Livingston Football Club (@LiviFCOfficial) January 26, 2022
“Livingston boss David Martindale told his club’s official website: “Sebastian was on our radar in the summer but we missed out to Porto but it hasn’t quite worked out for him over in Portugal and the opportunity came up again a few weeks ago and fortunately this time, we’ve been successful. “He is a really exciting signing for us. He comes with a fantastic CV and I’m looking forward to seeing how he adapts to Scottish football and as a manager, I’m relishing the opportunity to work with him and see what he can bring to the club. “Sebastian has made a lot of sacrifices to make the move to Livingston happen so it’s refreshing to see the desire from the player to come up and play with ourselves in the Scottish Premiership.”
I recently saw an interview with an academy player who is on the youth squad for Venezia. He is an American of Portuguese heritage and was previously in the Porto academy, IIRC. He said that Portuguese clubs are extremely nationalistic about roster decisions, that all ties break in favor of the local boy, and sometimes better players are left on the bench. He said it wasn’t anti-Americanism, but a general higher hurdle for foreign players.
this is so obvious when you review how yanks have done in portugal historically. the playing field isnt level. and playing time isnt objectively doled out. pros and cons to this ....the portugeuese national team benefits in the end...but the club teams - while strong - arent as strong as they culd be and havent done much lately in euro competitions people need to know this! especailly those transferring to euro teams, judging american players in europe etc....NOT all euro leagues/countries do things "fairly" or "objectively"..... certain teams/leagues are much better than others for american players - and that choice can make ALL the difference in the career outcome of that player. it shouldnt be seen as just go to the highest bidder - like it seems MLS is wont to - find the best fit.
Interesting move for Soto. I really hope this is the move that can jump start a stalling career. There is time to salvage things but time is ticking. Livingston is having a down season after finishing a couple of years in the 5th and 6th spot. They are 7 points above the drop zone but a few points could further help their case. I would assume Soto can get some minutes right off the bat as they struggle to score. They are pretty good defensively and have a fairly respected manager in David Martindale so they have that going for them. Big opportunity for Soto. Let's hope this is a positive loan.
Johan Gomez, older bro of Jonathan Gomez, said something very similar about his time in Porto B. IIRC, he said something to the effect that often it did not matter how well he played or performed in trainings and/or matches because the Portuguese players were favored.
If he plays lots of minutes and scores a good number of goals- very good move. (given circumstances) If he does not get minutes and does not get goals.....then HELLOOOOOO MLSSSSSSSSS
Club careers tend to carry more weight over club future. I think he'll do okay in Scotland.. but if he doesn't? He's in trouble. I am not sure how you can say he'd be above USL if it gets to that point. A few goals against a very subpar Panama team doesn't change that.