After posting the news that Landon Donovan could be headed to Everton in January, I've held off on a follow up. Until either the Galaxy/MLS or Everton make a statement, there's always a chance that the proposed loan could fail to materialize, or that Donovan would be headed somewhere else. Why write hundreds of words on the wisdom of Donovan to the EPL if it doesn't actually happen?
Still, Ives' sources have it as done, and though the Galaxy attempted to rain on everyone's parade (we'll get to the tone of that release in a moment), the general sense is that Donovan will be playing on the blue side of Liverpool come January. Whether it's a done deal or not, the news of Everton's interest immediately set off an understandable rash of unsolicited opinions; depending on who you talk to/listen to/read, Donovan to England is either the worst possible move or a stroke of genius that will finally allow him to exhibit his considerable skills in Europe.
Me, I'm an admitted Donovan fan. I don't know that I've ever used "Landycakes" in the pejorative sense. I root for Donovan to succeed, largely for selfish USMNT fan reasons, but also because I really do believe he has the talent to shine in a top European league. If the Everton deal goes through, and Everton manager David Moyes sees fits to give him enough playing time, he may just get his last and probably best, shot to do so.
He's certainly better equipped this time around than at any other point in his career to play well in Europe. Last winter's loan to Bayern Munich, unfairly called a "failure" by some, kicked off the best year, both for club and country, that Donovan's probably ever had. He didn't stick in Munich, and he failed to make a significant impact beyond a few winter friendlies, but the stint in Germany clearly did the American some good.
And really, no matter how or how much he actually plays for the Toffees during what is reported to be a three-month loan, that's all USMNT fans should care about. If 2010 sees Landon Donovan playing in June like 2009 did, the most of us will be happy, whether Donovan finally succeeds in Europe or not.
Nevertheless, I hope he does play well and open some eyes on the other side of the Atlantic. The maturity and confidence he needs to make that happen appear to be there in spades.
As for the Galaxy and their "statement" on the Donovan-to-Everton rumors, released through their official blog; thanks for the chuckle.
"We are aware of Everton’s interest in Landon Donovan, as they are one of a number of clubs who have contacted the Galaxy about the possibility of a short term loan agreement for Landon. The Galaxy, MLS and Landon’s representative will work together to determine if and whether an arrangement with Everton or any other club would be beneficial to all parties."
The bottom line is that there's no reason for the Galaxy to keep Donovan here during the off-season, especially with Beckham's annual Italian adventure setting a fairly lax precedent. I don't care that Beckham is a bigger star and probably has more pull with AEG; Donovan deserves to spread his proverbial wings just as much as Golden Balls. If the loan terms are three months rather than five because the club already has one of their stars gone through the World Cup, so be it. That's not really fair, and I'm with many people who would prefer to see Donovan stay in England through the end of the EPL season, but I do get it from a club standpoint. It would be awfully tough to fill up the HDC in March, April and May if neither one of the Galaxy's biggest names were suiting up for Bruce Arena.
The Galaxy appear to be grasping at straws, showing off for everyone by making it clear that they'll decide what's in the best interest of Donovan and the club. That's probably true to a point, but again, there's no reason for the Galaxy to object to a loan if it brings their American star back to them at the beginning of the MLS season.
Donovan to Everton is a good move for a player that needs a new challenge, especially since it seems the management there truly wants him. Whether the speed, physicality, and style of the league suits Donovan is really up to him; the quicker he adjusts and understands what his teammates are trying to do, the better off he'll be. He certainly has the ability to make an impact for a club that needs quality players.
I'm rooting for Donovan success in England, even if I don't know that it will mean anything for the rest of 2010.
