I don't understand how soccer contracts and trades work. But what would have to happen for Landon to play in the EPL? Because he apparently isn't interested in leaving MLS for Germany but is open to playing in the EPL. If MLS got his contract, couldn't they make some good money selling it to an EPL team? And how much longer does his contract with Leverkusen last? Isn't there a point at which he becomes a "free agent" (again, excuse my limited knowledge, as I don't know if there is such a thing in soccer)? So wouldn't Leverkusen want to sell his contract in that last year before their rights expire, as apparently ManU did with Beckham? ... Of course it will be so sad not to be able to watch the US' greatest player on a regular basis anymore. Watching Landon turn on the jets is such fun...
I believe he has at least 2 years left on the Leverkusen deal. In order for him to play in England, Leverkusen would have to sell his rights to an English side. It is possible to move on a Free or Bosman transfer if his contract with Leverkusen runs out. This will only happen if he goes back to them though. If his loan continues, they will surely force a contract extension. I doubt MLS would buy his contract only to sell it again. If MLS drops the cash required to bring him here permanently, they'll do everything in their power to make it permanent.
I think all will be revealed when the January transfer window opens. If he doesn't leave then, he will be staying forever. Go Quakes!
For Landon to play in the EPL an English side would have to buy him for a fee from Bayer. I'd love to see him play in this country.
All the talk on the ESPN2 broadcast is that he is going to Leverkeusen for the end of the Bundesliga season. After that, its still open, but he probably wont be with the quakes for the start of next year.
Jan 1 is not the "end of the Bundesliga season." Everything I've seen says Donovan's contract at Bayer 04 Leverkusen runs to 2007.
I meant the second half of the german season until the Bundesliga ends. Right now all the talk you hear about it is that its a dialog, and that everything is being negotiated. Seems like everyone is being very respectful of one another, and because of that some burned bridges are getting rebuilt. I wouldnt bank on anything other than LD and BL giving their marraige another shot through the end of this BL season once the transfer window opens up. If it doesnt work out I would expect MLS and LD to negotiate harder to get out of that contract, and BL more inclined to let him.