Showing posts with label Transfers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transfers. Show all posts

Robbie Keane, The Galaxy's Newest Star

Monday, August 15, 2011 | View Comments
- Jason Davis

Well hello, Robbie Keane. Come on in. Apparently someone is willing to stuff your pockets full of cash on the chance you'll score a bunch of goals and they'll finally have a championship in LA to go with all that spending.

I'd call LA desperate, but since there's no chance AEG is running out of money anytime soon, I'm not sure the label applies. The Galaxy went all-in on 2011 before the season even started. Since Angel was a massive flop, signing Keane is just about the only way they could have increased the pot. It's not a little bit of money. And they had to pay a transfer fee as well.

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Putting Out the Ronaldinho Fire

Friday, November 12, 2010 | View Comments
AC Milan's Ronaldinho balances a ball as he warms up before the match against Genoa at San Siro stadium in Milan, September 25, 2010. REUTERS/Imagesport ( ITALY - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)


Editor's Note:  This is a guest post from Matthew Higgins, an American journalist working in Beijing. He blogs at Have Notebook Will Travel.


by Matthew Higgins


Ronaldinho is going to the Galaxy? Damn, and just when we thought the “aging superstar threatens to take his talents to America if he doesn't get a new contract” meme was finally played out.

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Donovan's Ridiculous Price Tag

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 | View Comments
Aug. 14, 2010 - Harrison, New Jersey, United States of America - August 14, 2010: LA Galaxy forward LANDON DONOVAN ( ) keeps the ball from New York Red Bulls forward JUAN PABLO ANGEL.

Martin Rogers of Yahoo! is reporting that Landon Donovan attracted some European interest during this summer's (now closed) transfer window, and his preferred destination of Everton made a late play. That in itself isn't shocking; Donovan played well enough at Everton during his loan stint and during the World Cup that it makes sense the league/Galaxy received a few nibbles.  How much was offered, Rogers doesn't say.  What he does say is that MLS valued Donovan at $16 million.


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Beckham Target of Rich Indian Guy

Thursday, August 19, 2010 | View Comments
LA Galaxy player David Beckham smiles during training with his team in Montclair, New Jersey August 13, 2010. The Galaxy are in town to play the New York Red Bulls in New Jersey August 14. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)

An Indian businessman is lining up a bid for Premiership side Blackburn Rovers, and would love to add David Beckham to the squad should the purchase go through. To do what, I'm not entirely sure; yes, Beckham still plays, but at 35 and coming off a Achilles injury, his ability to contribute on a high level have to be subject to question. Is this just Beckham-as-trophy?


If so, that's kind of sad. I suppose it's unfair to presume Beckham couldn't contribute on some level for Blackburn, but we are talking about the Premier League; lack of speed and eroding skills that can be glossed over in MLS will stand out at the higher level of England's top-flight.


The Indian businessman in question, Ahsan Ali Syed, said this:

“I was 26 when I started following the Premier League. I used to like Blackburn back then and also used to follow Manchester United's fortunes because of David Beckham. If my finances allow and his intentions are positive then I would love to take Beckham."

That doesn't sound to me like a guy that wants to sign David Beckham because he's convinced the midfielder could help Blackburn. That sounds like a guy that wants to sign his favorite player just so he can say he signed him. Or maybe hang out with him.


Let's put aside whether this is a legitimate possibility (Beckham's name has been connected to a return to England before) and ask this question: If Syer followed through on his interest and made an offer to MLS, what would it take to pry him away from the Galaxy?


More than his value as a player, certainly. Just as with Landon Donovan, Beckham's worth to MLS is higher than it could ever be to a team like Blackburn; the Rovers might sell a few Beckham jerseys, but thats nothing compared to the heat Becks can bring to the American league. Blackburn would need to overpay to get the Englishman.


I'll throw a few random numbers out; gauge your gut reaction. First, consider if Beckham, factoring in quality and age, is worth that much. Then, consider if MLS would be smart to take the deal or if they would still be better off with David Beckham in the league.


$7 million? Is it worth it for MLS?

$8 million? Same question, but now it feels like Blackburn would be overpaying by a good amount.

$9 million? At this point, does MLS seriously consider it?

$10 million? Pull the trigger, MLS. You'd be robbing Blackburn at this point.


I don't think this is happening, but it's fun to think about. I wonder if MLS would ever consider it; after all, everyone has a price. Oh, and for a bit of reference, Beckham is valued at just about $7 million by the site transfermarket.co.uk (for what that's worth).


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Déjà vu on Donovan's Destination?

Thursday, August 05, 2010 | View Comments
CARSON, CA - JULY 22: Landon Donovan of the Los Angeles Galaxy looks on prior to a corner kick in the second half of their MLS match against the San Jose Earthquakes at The Home Depot Center on July 22, 2010 in Carson, California. Donovan scored on the rebound to tie the game 2-2. The Earthquakes and the Galaxy played to a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Everton doesn't have the money. Manchester City's interest was spurious at best, and they have a massive squad to whittle down besides. No other concrete links have popped up, and barring a minor miracle, Landon Donovan will be finishing out the 2010 MLS season playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy.


But a lack of transfer funds doesn't mean Everton isn't interested in bringing him back; if David Moyes can't/won't buy Donovan's services, he's more than happy to rent them again come January. Donovan appears emotionally attached to the Toffees after his loan there last year, and with his comfort level in SoCal being what it is, it's difficult to see any other outcome than another January loan. For fans wishing for Donovan to head to Europe permanently, that would no doubt be a let down. For MLS though, it would be the best of both worlds; keeping their most marketable and talented American player at home to grow the game domestically while allowing him to trot off to Europe for a few months in the winter and spread his proverbial wings.


One has to wonder if a repeat of 2009 would satisfy Donovan, whether Everton is the only club he'd truly consider a permanent move to, and if there is truly significant interest from anyone else. The market is not robust for 28-year old outside midfielders with 8 figure price tags, and it's not only cash-strapped Everton that would pass on such a player. Donovan's ability to sell shirts back in the States might help a bit, but it doesn't necessary justify the expenditure.


Oddly enough Donovan, with Beckham blazing the trail, has managed to create a new program for US-based star players. Each had unique circumstances that enabled them to force the Galaxy and MLS to let them head to Europe in the American off-season, so perhaps we won't see something like this again. But with a precedent set, it wouldn't come as a total surprise if other MLSers pushed the league to let them do the same in the future, especially if the transfer market tightens, MLS desperately clings to its talent with high valuations, and late-blooming stars find themselves good enough to play in Europe but too old to have serious transfer offer materialize.


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Donovan Comments, I Back Down

Thursday, July 29, 2010 | View Comments
CARSON, CA - JULY 22: Landon Donovan of the Los Angeles Galaxy plays the ball at midfield between Brandon McDonald , Bobby Burling and Jason Hernandez of the San Jose Earthquakes in the second half during their MLS match at The Home Depot Center on July 22, 2010 in Carson, California. The Earthquakes and the Galaxy played to a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

A little while back, in a late night ramble that may or may not have been ill-advised, I went off on those who reacted negatively to the possibility that MLS would't "allow" Landon Donovan to go back to Europe. I rejected the idea of valid indignation on the subject, and I talked at length about what we didn't know about Donovan's own wishes and the role that played in my response.


It's time for me to back down, at least in one regard. Donovan spoke about a possible transfer in the All-Star Game aftermath last night, and went just about as far as we could expect in outlining his hopes of a move. It wasn't a "let me go" plea necessarily, but it does seem pretty clear Donovan is ready to head back to Europe now as opposed to the winter (on loan or otherwise).


"We have had transfer interest and we will have some time to think about it and see where it goes," Donovan told Reuters after featuring for the MLS All Stars against Manchester United on Wednesday. "There is interest from a number of teams."

I'll still defend MLS on their right to hold out for a good return on a Donovan sale.  I'll still cling to my belief that Donovan here is ultimately better for American soccer than Donovan abroad.  But the latter doesn't really matter if Donovan wants to go; the reality of this game is that the player can essentially force a sale if he wants to and the market will bear a fair price.  No one wants a malcontent, and even if Donovan's influence and impact is greater as an MLS player, the league shouldn't keep him around "against his will."


As I mentioned in that meandering rant, I would be happy to see Donovan playing in England.  Believing Donovan does more good for American soccer playing here and my own selfish desire to see him in a top league are two different things.  And there is a knock-on effect for the perception of MLS if Donovan leaves and contributes in England or elsewhere at a high level. Both can be good, it's just a matter of degrees.


At the time of my original reaction, I found the indignation distasteful.  Now, seeing Donovan's comments as I do (as a roundabout admission that he's looking to go), and with the possibility that we'll hear a number on an offer, I'm backing down.  A bit.  If Donovan really wants to go and the offer is good, I can understand an angry fan reaction to his not being sold.


Just don't buy the idea that MLS would be holding American soccer back if Donovan stays in a Galaxy uniform.




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Kjlestan's Progress Worth Watching

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 | View Comments
June 17, 2010 - Anderlecht, BELGIUM - epa02207184 US player Sacha Kljestan (L) and Anderlecht's manager Herman Van Holsbeeck pose at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium, with a shirt of RSCA Anderlecht after a press conference in Anderlecht, 17 June 2010. Midfielder Kljestan is one of RSCA Anderlecht's new acquisitions.

As I begin this post, Sacha Kljestan has just scored in his debut for Anderlecht. The Belgian club are playing a Champions League qualifier against Welsh Premier League side The New Saints, and while the competition is hardly strong (The New Saints' home ground has a capacity of 2,000, and the club was called "Total Network Solutions FC" until four years ago), an American scoring in European competition is still rare enough to be notable. Hell, an American scoring almost anywhere outside of the US is still notable on some level.


Sacha's goal has prompted me to consider what his move might mean to those of us watching from the States, being the ardent Americans abroad-watchers that we are. Kljestan's progress as a player has been maddeningly inconsistent, with his play equal parts encouraging and disappointing over the course of the past few years. He frankly admitted that a potential move to Celtic falling through a year and a half ago affected his focus, and his form dipped enough that he lost any National Team favor he had with Bob Bradley and the fans.


Belgium's Jupiler League looks to be a perfect stepping stone for Kljestan, either as a place to make a name before making a move to a bigger stage, or as a place to get better, play more consistently, and eventually get himself into the National Team picture as an important player. There are simply not enough Americans with Sacha's creative abilities for anyone to give up on him; at 24 closing in on 25, four seasons in Europe might turn him into a late-bloomer ready to contribute in Brazil in 2014.


Anderlecht are a big Belgian club. They have a rich history and a demanding fan base, and are coming off a Jupiler League title last year (their 30th). If Kljestan can make his bones there, he'll be doing very well.


Oguchi Onyewu, though on a different career path, made himself into a quality defender while playing in Belgium. Perhaps Sacha, who few think will turn into anything special but who certainly has talent, can do the same at midfielder there. It bears careful watching.


Admittedly, I don't know enough about Anderlecht and their roster to know if Sacaha just started today because of weaker opposition, or if he's worked himself into a semi-permanent spot in the lineup. Nothing will drive USMNT and Americans abroad fans nuts more than a player wasting away on the bench. At his age, Sacha needs to play. If he does, it's possible he'll take a major step forward. With the frustration of missed European opportunities behind him, we just might see a different Sacha Kljestan.


A goal in his debut is a good start. It will be interesting to see if Sacha Kljestan, sometimes MLS star, turns into Sacha Kljestan, successful American in Europe.



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Dempsey Transfer Rumors: What the Deuce?

Monday, July 26, 2010 | View Comments
Mar. 18, 2010 - United Kingdom - Football - Fulham v Juventus UEFA Europa League Third Round Second Leg - Craven Cottage, London, England - 18/3/10..Clint Dempsey celebrates scoring the fourth goal for Fulham.

by Daniel Popko


Clint Dempsey’s dribbler squeaked by Robert Green for the first of five (fine...seven) US goals in South Africa. In addition, he had a high work rate and was dangerous enough playing for the Stars and Stripes that, on top of the best season of his career with Fulham, Deuce became an in demand commodity on the European transfer market.


While some of the “bandwagon fans” that jumped on for the magical run (have no fear, you’re perfectly welcome to come aboard, everyone has to start somewhere) might not have been able tell you what Dempsey’s club team was or, if they could, where it was located, that wouldn’t stop them from rallying behind one of their heroes. What if he suddenly found himself playing weekly in front of 80,000 screaming fans at the San Siro?


Have no fear, soccer’s “silly season” is here.


American sports fans love the speculation that comes with player movement. Millions tune in for the NFL Draft. The MLB Hot Stove captivates the nation. LeBron’s “Decision” was the third highest-grossing cable program of the year (but it still couldn’t touch Nickelodeon’s “ICarly.” No really). If the average American was looking for a boost to jump into love of the “other” football, what a better time than during the transfer market after the World Cup?


Transfer rumors make LeBron “taking his talents to South Beach” look tame by comparison. Young guns like Mario Balotelli and Neymar might command transfer money totaling upward of $30 million,, but could just as easily end up going nowhere. Cesc Fábregas treats Barcelona and Arsenal like a rose ceremony on “The Bachelorette” (sorry, I have female roommates. I couldn’t avoid the show if I wanted too, and believe me, I want to) and 30+ stars contemplate furthering the over-analyzed label of the MLS as a retirement league.


Men’s National teamers have moved around this transfer window, but nothing has made a big or even a moderate splash in world football. Sure Sacha Kljestan is headed to Anderlecht in Belgium and Jonathan Bornstein planned a move south of the border to Tigres. Even Jay DeMerit and Frankie Simek will be sporting some fresh colors in the Football League next season. Fantastic. I wish them all the best of luck - but there are bigger fish to be fried.


At this point it seems clear that even the endless pockets of Manchester City won’t table a bid that could make Don Garber consider letting American Golden Boy Landon Donovan leave MLS, so the speculative eye turns to the USA’s other dynamic attacking force (sorry Jozy) in Deuce.


The rumour mill stared churning in early July with reported interest from Italian giants Milan. With his former manager at Craven Cottage, Roy Hodgson, moving to Liverpool, that too became a “potential destination.” If the investigative reporting and impeccable sources of Wikipedia are to be believed (they shouldn’t, but then again real journalists tend to be nearly as accurate with transfer speculation), Napoli, Juventus, Bordeaux, Sochaux, Borussia Mönchengladbach were all lining up to have Clint sign on the dotted line.


The Napoli interest seems legitimate enough and Juventus would almost certainly like to avoid this happening again, but those final three clubs scream of pro-American linking just for its own sake. I’m not saying none of those teams wouldn’t benefit from Dempsey’s presence, but all three feature a prominent American on the roster already -- at least until Bradley flees Mönchengladbach for greener pastures. Not to mention, Sochaux, Mönchengladbach and Hannover could be viewed as a step down in club quality from Fulham.


Now while rumours are just as likely to come from real sources as a few supporters enjoying a pint, it’s not as if clubs are interested in Deuce for his place of honor in the eye of the American fan. They're after his composure, skill and the moments of brilliance he can provide in goals like his chip against Juve. Jason Kuenle tackled the idea of American friendly clubs when talking about the odyssey that Ricardo Clark could have had, and perhaps the success of Bradley, Steve Cherundolo and hopefully Charlie Davies will give these clubs a better idea of what American players can do, opening the door for young guns coming up the ranks.


Clubs like Fulham, Everton and arguably Aston Villa already seem to be keen on giving Americans a chance.. Scandinavia is simply bustling with American talent. Plymouth Argyle have even come back to offer trials to Cody Arnoux and Anton Peterlin after enjoying seven sublime appearances from Kenny Cooper. Even Milan would be going back for another piece of the pie after signing Oguchi Onyewu as their fifth choice center back.


While I don’t need to preach to the choir that is reading this right now, these are the small developments that are refreshing to hear. We care about Carlos Bocanegra making an essentially lateral move in Ligue 1 and Eddie Johnson and Freddy Adu’s double-loan to Greece, but Donovan spending 10 weeks in the blue jersey of Everton or Deuce possibly moving to a top European club grabs attention. It has the ability to make mainstream headlines, even in the American sports media.


At this point in soccer’s development in this country, any positive visibility is a good thing. It may not immediately put people in the seats for an FC Dallas-Kansas City Wizards game, but American players playing Champions League soccer at the top clubs in the sport makes the game more visible to the average viewer.


If you turn on Fox Soccer, you’re much more likely to see a match with AC Milan or Liverpool than Mönchengladbach or Sochaux. Having a player like Dempsey on the pitch may be enough to keep those fringe fans watching. Even if it’s not directly drawing them into the domestic game, it could be enough to get them interested in the sport itself beyond the national team, which itself is a start.


If Joe Average keeps coming back for more footy and realizes that Dempsey once plied his trade in the jersey of the New England Revolution or Tim Howard manned the cage for the MetroStars, maybe they’ll look around locally for their next fix and a view of the talent of tomorrow. Everyone’s journey to football fandom has to start somewhere.


Who knows, it may even be getting to see Maurice Edu make a clattering tackle on Sacha Kljestan in the Champions League group stage. That’s something almost every American fan can get behind.


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Another Summer, Another Journey for Jozy?

Monday, July 26, 2010 | View Comments
June 23, 2010 - Tshwane/Pretoria, Guateng, South Africa - 23 JUN 2010: Jozy Altidore (USA). The United States National Team defeated the Algeria National Team 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa in a 2010 FIFA World Cup Group C match.

by Warren Lent



His feet have too much potential to even think about giving up on him, but impatience can drive any club to make rash decisions. The curious case of Jozy Altidore continues, with the usual twists and turns one would expect from a transfer season.


Jozy Altidore became the most expensive US international ever after his $10 million transfer from the New York Red Bulls to Villareal in 2008. The La Liga club had high expectations for the 18 year old. Villareal gave Altidore decent playing time, but thinking about long term development, the club sent him on a loan to Xerez while they were in the Segunda Division. Playing time was expected to be in abundance for Jozy, but a freak toe injury kept him off the pitch for the entire 08-09 season.


The beginning of the 2009 brought another setback when Villareal brought in fellow forward Nilmar from Internacional of Brazil. Nilmar is thought to be in the prime of his career as a forward, and the need for a player still developing like Jozy was non-existent for Villareal.


The 09-10 seasons had Altidore on the loan train once again to England as Hull City acquired him. A single premiership goal in 28 appearances, and a head butt to end his disappointing stay, has Jozy Altidore's young career somewhat uncertain heading into the 2010 season.


Reports have surfaced that a sale transfer of Altidore from Villareal may be possible, instead of another loan spell. Ajax seems perfect for a player like Altidore, but whether or not they would be willing to buy his rights has yet to be determined.


Although many Ajax supporters are hesitant to admit it, the Dutch club is known for being a launching pad to help many budding stars burst onto the scene. Ajax is the club of Luis Suarez, the striker who played a pivotal role in Uruguay’s impossibly deep run in the 2010 World Cup. The striker gained worldwide praise (and a fair share of jeers toward the end of the cup) and a transfer to a prestigious club elsewhere in Europe seems imminent. The reputation for Ajax as a top developmental club can only bring more hope to fans of Altidore if he were to make the move to Amsterdam.


If Ajax is not the next stop for Altidore, where would he be best suited to perform at a high level?


The answer is extremely tricky, because everyone that has been around Jozy believes that it is just a matter of time before he explodes. But another nagging question: when will this explosion finally happen? Unfortunately, motivation in training was an issue while Altidore was in Hull City, and has nagged him throughout his brief career. Natural ability alone will give him a good career, but supporters across the globe hope Jozy has the desire to be great.


Greatness may come at Villareal, but at this point it seems very unlikely. For better or worse Jozy Altidore holds the future in his own hands.


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Polite Mancini Thinks Donovan is a Good Player

Thursday, July 22, 2010 | View Comments
Roberto Mancini Manager Manchester City 2009/10 Manchester City V Tottenham Hotspur (0-1) 05/05/10 The Premier League Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom

And that's just about all we can confirm right now on the Donovan-to-Manchester City rumors that exploded yesterday. In New York for the "Barclay's Football New York Challenge and Burlesque Review" (okay, maybe I added that last part), Man City manager Roberto Mancini was apparently asked about Landon Donovan. This would seem reasonable considering Donovan's name has already been linked to City; whichever reporter brought it up wasn't trying to start rumors that didn't exist before.


In response, Mancini said, "Donovan is a good player. Could be possible."


That's hardly a declaration that City is "swooping" for Donovan, or reason for the Interwebs to explode with six million stories announcing that he is now on their shopping list. But that's the silly season, and with Donovan's rep at an all-time high and transfer rumors a magnet for traffic, everyone just runs with the story.


It was even suggested by one English journo on Twitter that Mancini was just being polite to his American hosts and that Man City has no interest in signing Donovan. Alright...


We'll find out soon enough if Donovan is headed back to England this summer or if he'll wait until January. I'm still not clear on his own aspirations, and while I know he makes noises of wanting to go back for the right situation, I get the feeling it wouldn't bother him a bit to stay with the Galaxy.


But if the City rumors, and Mancini's "interest", are legitimate, the question becomes whether that would be a good move for Donovan. On the surface, it doesn't seem so; City's midfielder is crowded and a starting spot might be hard to come by. Initially, I was against Donovan-to-City, and mostly for this reason.


The more that I think about it, though, the more I'm coming around. Donovan is 28 and may never get another chance to join a club with the profile of City. Even if he's fighting for playing time, the risk is worth the reward; should he break into the lineup, and he's certainly capable, it would be a boon both for him professionally and for American soccer's rep abroad. Because, let's face it - it doesn't matter where or how much Landon Donovan is playing, he'll always be a part of the USMNT. It would be nice to have him playing regularly and on top of his game when the Gold Cup rolls around next year, but I'm not sure anyone is going to endure sleepless nights because Donovan isn't starting in England. As for World Cup qualifying, things could always change again for LD before anything serious comes up for the National Team.


By the time it will really matter if Donovan is starting with whatever club he's with, the problem of him sitting on the bench at Man City in 2010-2011 might not be a problem anymore.


If Donovan wants to go and City is paying the price, he should go. Can't be afraid of failure in this situation.


It doesn't matter though, because Mancini was just being polite.


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A Review of the Ronaldinho Rumors

Monday, July 19, 2010 | View Comments
May 29, 2010 - 05969036 date 28 05 2010 Copyright imago Chicago Illinois USA 28 05 2010 A C Milan Ronaldinho Na MECZU Chicago Cubs I St Louis Cardinals n Z Ronaldinho A C Milan Kamil PL A C Milan Midfield Ronaldinho throws out Ceremonial First Pitch AT Wrigley Field Before Chicago Cubs and St Louis Cardinals Game in Chicago Before International Soccer Game Against Chicago Fire ON Sunday May 30 PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxPOL Football men Baseball MLB Single cut out Vdig 2010 vertical Highlight premiumd.

This is not a good look


It is yet to be seen if there's anything to these Ronaldinho-to-LA rumors that have popped up during the last week. The Brazilian played well enough at Milan last year to earn a new contract offer, Flamengo would love to have him back in Brazil, and LA's league position doesn't scream desperation. Ronaldinho won't come cheap, and I don't just mean in salary.


Which is the biggest reason to believe he won't end up in MLS this summer. As J. Hutcherson notes today, it will take a significant transfer fee to get Ronalidinho out of Italy; for a league that has never, ever, paid that much to buy a player, we have to wonder why they would start now. Sure, Ronaldinho is a big name and big talent, but if the rumors are true, why the shift in philosophy so suddenly?


Never mind that by most estimations a rule or two would have to change for the Galaxy to fit Ronaldinho into their squad. As a DP he would hit their cap for less than $500k, but how would the transfer fee figure into their league budget? In the past, transfer fees have always counted against a team's salary cap; is MLS going to enact an exemption for everyone, or is LA the only team that will benefit? Is a rule change/hold even in play?


Too many questions to answer, though the implications of Ronaldinho-to-LA go well beyond another aging superstar coming to the States. Henry was given his release by Barcelona and signed with New York without a dime being paid by Red Bull. His signing was always seen as a foregone conclusion in light of his love for the US and the city of New York. He cost MLS nothing beyond salary (the majority of which the club will pay themselves); Henry is the classic Designated Player (if such a thing exists) and fits all the usual criteria. Signing Ronaldinho would be a completely different thing altogether.


None of this would be in question if hints hadn't come from someone who should know (Dave Checketts). Typically, we might laugh off the Ronaldinho rumors, at least when it became clear that he would cost something. MLS is not a buying league, at least not at these levels.


Unless...and this is purely conjectural should the Ronalidinho rumors be true and some massive rule change isn't coming out of the league office...Donovan is already sold, his fee will help offset Ronalindho's purchase price, and the Brazilian is being brought in to help LA absorb the loss of their best player and the absence of Beckham.


Does that even make any sense? Without a hard Donovan rumor to go on, and there hasn't been a whiff in quite some time, it's half-baked at best, crazy at worst.


Let's go with crazy.

SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 22: Real Salt Lake team owner Dave Checketts poses with the Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup trophy following their win in the MLS Cup final at Qwest Field on November 22, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for MLS)

Number 1 in MLS, Number 1 in spreading rumors


If Dave Checketts hadn't said anything, I'd simply toss this rumor out of the window and move on. Ronaldinho would be a huge signing, that's a certainty. But if he costs MLS $13 million just to get him here, it's hard to imagine they would consider that a good deal. They're used to getting their big names for free.


Forget it. The rumor has to be nonsense. MLS couldn't possibly be considering paying seven figures for anyone; Checketts must have had his details wrong, or was assuming that Milan would let Ronaldinho go without a transfer fee. In fact, Milan's €10 million valuation may not have been set when Checkett's dropped his hint on Salt Lake City radio last week. That number is a deal breaker for the ultra-thrifty MLS. There are too many leaps of faith involved.


And yes, it's disappointing to come to that realization, both because I would love to have Ronalidinho in MLS and because the transfer fee paid would represent an evolutionary step for the league. From an observer's standpoint, it would be fascinating to analyze.


In the end, it's interesting that MLS is linked with a player like Ronaldinho while his saga winds down at Milan. Even if he isn't coming, it's clear the league's ramped up incentives for offsetting a DP cap hit are working on some level. Not a $13 million transfer fee level, but some level nonetheless.


Rumors are fun. I think this one is just that and nothing more. No matter how much Becks wants him to come to LA.


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Donovan, Indignation, and What We Don't Know

Saturday, July 17, 2010 | View Comments
CARSON, CA - JULY 04: Landon Donovan of the Los Angeles Galaxy jogs on the field to participate in warmups before the game against the Seattle Sounders FC on July 4, 2010 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Donovan is playing in his first MLS game since returning from the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

The Donovan talk, the Donovan debate, the Donovan backlash (in the direction Garber and the league, not Landon himself) is a swirling pool of putrid projection and condescension. You want Donovan to go back to England. Bill Simmons wants Donovan to go back to England. Your mom probably wants Donovan to go back to England.


Hell, I want Donovan to go back to England.


Too bad it's not about what we want.


It might not even be about what Donovan wants, though that's obviously a factor. It should be noted, strongly, in black permanent marker on your spouse's forehead so you cannot possibly miss it, that none of us really know what Donovan wants. We know he loves Cali. We assume, and have real reason to believe, that he wants to reconcile with his estranged wife, who happens to live there. We have his statements about wanting to be a force to grow the game in the United States, and we know he's making good money to play in LA.


What we don't know is how strong his itch is to return to Europe. We don't know if he is telling MLS to let him go, that he's ready to make the permanent move, that his career as a player will be incomplete without a transfer this summer. We don't know that he's as anxious to get out of Dodge as some of us seem to want him to be.


We don't know if bidders are lining up. There are rumors, just as there are about any player with a pulse, but not much more. Everton and Manchester City. One club with limited funds unwilling to overspend on anyone, let alone a 28 year old midfielder, and one with lots of money but a notable appetite for big fish - a label that can hardly be applied to Donovan, no matter his standing in the American soccer world.


We don't know what MLS wants. Despite what Don Garber said, we don't know that the league is flatly rejecting any bids without consideration. We don't know that they're not just playing a game, sending a clear message that it will take an impressive offer to pry Donovan away. What we do know is that Landon Donovan, American soccer superstar, is worth more to Major League Soccer in terms of talent, marketing clout, face recognition, paparazzi-worthy celebrity, youth soccer heroism, soccer bar godhood, franchise frontmanitude, corporate glad-handerism, and a multitude of other aspects subtle and unclear enough to be undetectable to the our non-corporate brains, than he ever could be to Euro Club X. Donovan isn't just a player, he's an Asset, with a capital "A", and the usual forces of the transfer market simply don't apply.


For reasons I cannot fathom, we've applied a different standard to Donovan and his potential transfer than we have to anyone else across the rest of professional the sports spectrum. Maybe that's what so many can't get; that on the world stage, the relative quality of MLS and the LA Galaxy specifically should not in any way dictate how the league and the club view Donovan leaving. MLS is Double A, as our newly converted MLS-ignoring friend the "Sports Guy" says, so it must be incumbent upon those with the power to sell Donovan on to a better league. Sports, apparently, is business for everyone but them. Donovan's freshly signed contract doesn't matter. The league, in the person of Don Garber, has an obligation to unshackle their biggest American name so he might soar with the eagles on the right side of the Atlantic.


Bullshit. Excuse me.


Double bullshit.


As sure as we might be, we simply don't know that Donovan abroad would do more for American soccer and MLS than Donovan at home, as so many have claimed in an attempt to justify their disdain for Garber's words. There's no scoreboard hanging over this game, indicating clearly that Donovan at Everton/Man City/Chelsea/relegation candidate is a point for footy in the USA. It doesn't work that way, and of all players to help spread the gospel that MLS can develop talent, Donovan is not at the top of the list. See Bradley, Michael, Altidore, Josmer, Kljestan, Sacha, and a score of others. Donovan's just a very good player with a checkered European past who "matured" later than most people hoped. He can provide quality for whomever he plays; anything more than that is ephemeral at best, a pipe dream at worst.


I could argue that MLS needs him more. Most of you won't listen. I could argue that Donovan's effect as soccer ambassador in the United States trumps anything he could do from distant shores. You won't care. I could even argue that LA has every right to hold on to him no matter how he feels about the situation. It won't matter. So I'll say this as a closer, if only to remind you that what we don't know is just as important as what we do:


Landon Donovan probably knows what he wants better than you do. Until he comes out and blasts the league for holding him back, scathing indictments of MLS up to and including an asinine personal boycott because they've said they won't sell him are ridiculous, indefensible, and downright idiotic.


Stop being indignant on his behalf. It's not becoming.


Who let me post this with that terrible headline involving a non-word?


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Checketts Drops Hints on Ronaldinho Signing With LA

Friday, July 16, 2010 | View Comments
May 16, 2010 - 05910097 date 16 05 2010 Copyright imago Buzzi Ronaldinho PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITA men Football ITA Series A 2009 2010 Milan Action shot Single Vdig xsk 2010 horizontal Highlight premiumd.

If Thierry Henry's signing with New York was a foregone conclusion, Ronaldinho landing in LA would be a few miles short of that. Yes, there have been rumors, wisps of smoke even, but they've mostly been scurrilous and speculative. Nothing concrete, and usually in the form of the Brazilian star being linked to several clubs with LA just a name on the list.


Only in MLS, the funky construct that it is, would the owner of a club drop news that a player will sign with a rival team and there be reason for us to believe him. That's what Dave Checketts did in a radio interview, as denz of RSL Soapbox relates today (much of the post is on the reasons it's time for Garber to go, the twisting of the rules for LA among them).


No, Checketts didn't specifically mention Ronaldinho's name. But the clues make it fairly obvious. "Name everyone will recognize." "Brazilian." Who else fits that description that would be worth the comparison to Henry's arrival (something else Checketts does)? The smoke is much thicker now.


If Ronaldinho does land in LA, and again, this is a matter of trusting Checketts as an MLS insider who wouldn't let the cat out of the bag without being fairly certain it will happen, this will truly make this summer one to remember. With his array of tricks, it would certainly shake up football betting online in the US too.


I can't find anything definitive stating that Ronaldinho has been granted his release by Milan, so my assumption is that he's still under contract (which runs until next year). That would seem a major holdup for a league usually loathe to pay transfer fees. It's also interesting to note that just in the last few days the former FIFA World Player of the Year was reported to be set for a return to Brazil with Flamengo then not going to Flamengo and definitely staying with Milan. The Galaxy, and other clubs for that matter, have dropped off the list of rumored destinations. If this happens, it will be completely out of the blue.


Maybe Checketts is wrong, or maybe he's betting on something going through that isn't quite done. He sounded pretty sure of himself though.


Take it for what it's worth. Considering the source, it's at least intriguing.


Here's the link to the actual audio; the hints are dropped in the last 1/8 or so of the clip (there's no clock on the player unfortunately).


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No Donovan Transfer Coming

Thursday, July 15, 2010 | View Comments
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 14: US men's soccer players Steve Cherundulo, Landon Donovan and Carlos Bocanegra backstage after receiving the ESPY award for best moment at the 2010 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on July 14, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alexandra Wyman/Getty Images for ESPY)

If you believe The Don.


At the Thierry Henry hubbub on Thursday, Garber reportedly said that Donovan is a "real soccer hero" and that the league can't do without him.


I can hear you gasping in horror, those of you hoping to see Donovan plying his trade abroad in the near future; there's an overriding sense, just as there was last year around this time, that MLS "owes" it to Donovan to let him leave. Provided the price is "reasonable", Major League Soccer should just take the money and send off their most marketable American asset.


I'm taking Garber at his word here, for the simple reason that it's easier to say "no comment" when asked about Donovan's sale status than to produce a statement like this. Simply put, Donovan's value will always be greater to the league than any club is willing to pay. Donovan's pushing thirty, he's hardly a game-changing player, and talents are likely most in-demand with mid-level teams without the ability to overpay. Unless Man City is stepping up with a truckload of cash, the seller and the buyer are going to have trouble coming to an agreement on value.


I've vacillated a bit on my belief as to whether Donovan would stay or go. I believe him to be happy with his success at Everton, comfortable with himself as a player and a person, and not in need of another "challenge." He just signed a new MLS contract in December, the very thing that allowed him to go to England to prove to himself that he could play there. A full season or more there would solidify his reputation as a top player, but what would it bring him personally?


Let's not get indignant with Garber or the league on Donovan's behalf. It's probable we'll never hear if he's upset with the possibility that the league won't sell him, because he's not the kind of player to make a stink. Since that's the case, I'm not going to presume that some great injustice has been done; Donovan has willingly assumed the mantle of American soccer's poster boy, with an eye towards "building the game". The reality is that the best place for him to do that job while still in his playing days is here, in MLS, not in England or elsewhere where he would be off the mainstream American radar.


I would love to see Donovan back in England. But I'm not going to rip the league for holding on to a player that is much more valuable to them than he is on the open market. It won't be the end of the world if Donovan stays.


Again, if you believe Garber. I know some of you never will.


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Ryan Giggs Is or Isn't Considering Coming or Not Coming to MLS

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 | View Comments
Apr. 06, 2010 - United Kingdom - Football - Manchester United Press Conference - Old Trafford, Manchester, England - 6/4/10..Manchester United's Ryan Giggs during the press conference.

As exciting as the arrival of a slightly past-his-prime Thierry Henry is for the Red Bulls and MLS, there's no getting away from the fact that the league is still viewed as a retirement home for aging Euro footballers. Stars aren't going to land in the league in their prime; that's not a shot at a very young competition that will need decades to reach even moderate levels of spending and prestige, it's just a simple fact. MLS will get the occasional Beckham, Ljungberg and Henry, players who can make a decent wage while enjoying the American lifestyle, but a wave of under-30 top level talent crashing onto our shores is a long way away.


Which means we have to deal with players on the downhill side of their careers, particularly ones who come in contact with American media, being asked the usual question:


"Would you consider playing in MLS?"


The latest player to be presented with this nonsense is Manchester United star Ryan Giggs. Giggs is 36. After playing his entire career with United, appearing over 500 times for the club, and reaching legendary status at Old Trafford, there's really nothing in it for him to play one or two years in the States. I guess it would be nice if he wanted to, but as I'm mostly against MLS-as-retirement league, I'd don't really care if Giggs would or wouldn't consider it.


Which is good, because I'm not really sure which it is. Apparently he answered in some mystical mind-bending way that could be interpreted as both a "Yes" and a "No."


Soccernet says he would consider coming to MLS.

Bettor.com says he wouldn't.

Sify Sports says he would.

Sportbox says he wouldn't.

The Sun says he would.

Breaking Football News says he wouldn't.


I know the question isn't going anywhere, so as long as it's being asked, I suppose this yes/no/maybe confusion at least makes it humorous. Or not.


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Donovan's Departure and Galaxy Greatness

Tuesday, July 06, 2010 | View Comments
CARSON, CA - JULY 04: Landon Donovan of the Los Angeles Galaxy warms up before the game against the Seattle Sounders FC on July 4, 2010 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Donovan is playing in his first MLS game since returning from the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

No one, perhaps even Landon Donovan himself, knows if he'll be around for the end of the MLS season. Surely someone in Europe, that land where they take their soccer seriously, wants the services of the American midfielder. Major League Soccer might even listen to a few offers. Perhaps he'll be sold.


There's more to it than dollars (or pounds, or euros); Donovan is at the peak of his American celebrity, and there's some reason to believe he himself is a draw. It's not the Beckham Effect, but it's noteworthy. Landon Donovan is an American soccer superstar. Can the league afford to let him go? Don't they owe him a chance to go? Does MLS risk alienating potential fans if they spin off their biggest American commodity to England or elsewhere?


Inquiring minds have no idea. Neither do we know what Mr. Garber is thinking while stroking his manly stubble; as the calculating businessman we all know him to be, it's hard to imagine he'll willingly let Donovan go. Short of an astounding offer, Donovan is probably worth more playing in Kansas City and Dallas than he is on the open transfer market. These things are hard to accurately value.


But while Garber is mulling, Donovan proclaiming, and the league slowly pulling out of the World Cup-break station, the chances for a truly magnificent season for the LA Galaxy hang in the balance.


The Galaxy have thirty-six points from fifteen games. They've scored twenty-five goals while only allowing five. They've lost only once, to Real Salt Lake just before the break and without Donovan and Buddle, and are the unstoppable force in a league usually noted for its parity. The Galaxy have risen above the mediocrity, found ways to win on the road (always difficult in this league), and appear headed towards something fairly special. There's a lot of the season to go, of course, and the Galaxy may come crashing back to earth; for the time being, however, this is their world, and we're all just living in it.


Can they keep it up without their talisman? Is Bruce Arena such an MLS genius that losing Donovan won't stop his team's momentum? Donovan's abilities are almost irreplaceable in a league with the financial restraints of MLS, and even a top-quality replacement of equal or greater talent will be slower, older, and have the potentially difficult task of gelling with a team already at the top. The sale of Donovan and the signing of someone else (if they go that route) would be the embodiment of "messing with a good thing."


If you despise the Galaxy, no matter the reason (here are a few: AEG, Tim Leiweke, Bruce Arena, "superclub" nonsense, David Beckham, perceived fan arrogance), none of this will bother you. But if you're a fan of the league intrigued by greatness, Donovan's departure would be a sad occurrence. The chances of a historic season for LA drop considerably without their Number 10. That's a fact.


I want Donovan to go back to Europe. I think he belongs there. If he goes, I won't shed a tear for the Galaxy. I'm sure I'd spare a thought or two for what might have been, though. Greatness, likely lost.


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Landon Donovan and the Prevailing Wisdom

Friday, April 02, 2010 | View Comments
Chivas USA v Los Angeles Galaxy

In the early days of the 2010 Major League Soccer season, the LA Galaxy have two wins, six points, conceded no goals, and beaten their stadium-mate rivals in the first round of the their two round fight. Key to that success has been been their steady defense and the play of Edson Buddle, who has all three of the team's goals scored in the new year.


But it's eminently clear that one player in particular makes the Galaxy go. Landon Donovan draws attention from defenders, tracks back on defense, puts his teammates in good positions, and threatens opponents with his pace and skill every time he has the ball. Though the Galaxy aren't burying opponents or playing consistently enough yet to be clear favorites in the Western Conference, it's doubtful they'd be sitting where they are without their star.


Why then, considering that LA's other high quality star, David Beckham, is out for months and might not play in 2010, is the prevailing wisdom that Donovan will leave this summer?


LA's desires are just one element of the equation, I know, but thinking that they would willingly let their best player, marketing star, and face of the franchise go back to England permanently is impossible to believe. Never mind that Donovan just signed a brand new contract with the league/club, one that gave him a massive raise and put him into an ultra-elite MLS stratosphere that few players, and fewer American players, have joined.


Donovan had a nice little run at Everton. He proved he could play in one of the best leagues in the world, and save a missed sitter against Tottenham, did just about everything right. The turnaround in Everton's fortunes coincided with his arrival, a coming together that had the wonderful effect of rubbing off on Donovan and bolstering his reputation on both sides of the pond. Even if you don't ascribe to the theory that Donovan was a direct reason for Everton's improving form, he no doubt had a fantastic stint at Goodison Park.


So fantastic, in fact, that when asked about returning to England in the future, Donovan stated unequivocally that he would play for no one else but Everton. Never before has a player's love affair with the club taken hold so completely, so quickly.


Players often make these type of statements. Rarely do they stick, especially when large amounts of money are involved. But I don't think anyone doubts Donovan, and if he was to have an opportunity to go back to Europe post-World Cup, comfort and familiarity might win out over money and prestige. It's hard to imagine a player turning down Chelsea if they came calling, but I wouldn't put it past Donovan. The man knows what he likes, and has been burned too many times playing with teams for which he was a poor fit.


It's Everton or bust. Not that I'm calling the Los Angeles Galaxy "bust".


Does Everton have the resources to buy Donovan from MLS in the summer? Everything we've seen to this point says they probably don't, though it's conceivable they could sell to buy. But why would they do that for a 28 year old complimentary player? The trade off of selling a player to buy Donovan would need to be significantly in their favor for it to make any sense.


All of this talk about Donovan leaving in the summer presumes that MLS is even amenable to selling him. Without a healthy Beckham, and because it's a World Cup year that will put Donovan on the biggest stage and in front of the largest amount of American eye balls that watch any given soccer event, Donovan is a marketing commodity as well as a playing one. What's the price tag? Will MLS "overvalue" him because of his importance to selling the league to Americans?


Donovan's new contract gave him a raise, security, and the ability to go on loan. If the loan was a calculated move to showcase himself for a potential European buyer, then the prevailing wisdom is probably correct, and Donovan's as good as gone. But if the loan was simply Donovan's desire to prove himself in Europe, give it one last good shot to satisfy himself and no one else, don't be surprised if he's leading the Galaxy down the stretch run of the MLS season come August.


The world (i.e., the American soccer community) is convinced Donovan wants to leave for Europe in the summer. If it's not Everton that comes calling, I'm not so sure.


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The Donovan Effect, or Why MLS Can Move On and It Will Be Okay

Monday, February 01, 2010 | View Comments
Football - Wigan Athletic v Everton Barclays Premier League

After five matches played, one goal scored, and by most accounts quality play all around, the momentum for a permanent Landon Donovan move to Everton is beginning to pick up steam.


Forget the numbers being batted about (which have me skeptically furrowing my brow), or the provenance of the rumors; the simple fact that the whispers are starting indicates that Donovan's value is on the rise and that MLS may be facing a difficult decision in the very near future.


While no one really knows for sure, conventional wisdom holds that Major League Soccer is bound to overprice their biggest American star, asking for a transfer fee that would make a move for Donovan almost impossible. In the past, I've even presented a logical argument for why MLS isn't wrong to do so (in perhaps my oddest piece of writing to date, where I used an indirect analogy about a piece of furniture). Still, just because I can understand where the Garber, Arena, AEG, or whomever else might be involved is coming from doesn't mean I think it would be right to prevent Donovan from leaving by setting an exorbitant price. It's fine line between what's smart and what's right.


Unfortunately, Donovan weakened his case for the league to do right by him by signing a new four year contract just before his Everton loan began. The new deal, which makes Donovan the highest paid American in the history of MLS (and by a wide margin), would appear to tie him to playing his club soccer in the US; if Donovan's aspirations are to settle in Europe (finally), he may have done damage to his own chances by re-upping. There could be something to that, though I still believe that signing the new contract was the right move on Donovan's part. It's doubtful that even he could have foreseen the easy transition he's made to England, and a $2 million a year safety net is a nice thing to have.


But it's time that Major League Soccer, provided the offer is fair, to let go of Donovan. Not because it's the "right" thing to do, and not because they owe Donovan; no, the MLS needs to let go of their American poster boy because it will ultimately benefit them in the long run.


There's little doubt that Landon Donovan is the best American player in Major League Soccer. Awards aside, Donovan's talent puts him on a different level, one that only a handful of foreign players in the league can match. In an American league desperate for American attention, it should follow that Donovan's value as a marketing commodity is therefore massive, making letting him go either distasteful at the least or potentially disastrous at the most.


Yet Donovan's drawing power is debatable, and the importance of his role as American superstar is tenuous, if only because the marketing power of the league is far more dependent on its foreign stars and overall quality of play than it is on domestic talent. Would MLS really be worse off if Donovan said goodbye to the Galaxy?


The path to relevancy for MLS includes improving their overall product, continuing the process of putting clubs in their own buildings, and sending young talent overseas where they will better the American league's reputation. The natural progression and financial constraints of MLS means that it will increasingly become an export league; while young players like Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore are the norm, a situation like Donovan's, where an established player with a long history in the league looks to move abroad, will sometimes present itself. Suddenly, MLS must decide if Donovan's abilities do the league more good on fields in Kansas City and Denver than they would in London and Manchester.


Be smart, MLS. Take a reasonable offer for Donovan ($8-10 million sounds about right), spend the money you would have paid him on raising the talent bar across the league, and continue to lean on foreign superstars if you need a marketing boost. Your audience is growing steadily as it is, and the soccer junkie holdouts will not be buying tickets or flipping on their televisions because one American star happens to be on the field. If Landon Donovan plays well in England, the league's profile and marketability will see an increase. Move on from Donovan and let him go not because it's the fair thing to do but because it's the smart thing to do.


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Donovan's Key Contract Clause

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 | View Comments
Visa Hosts FIFA World Cup Final Draw Viewing Event with Landon Donovan

Back when news of Landon Donovans's new Galaxy contract broke, I wrote that, contrary to the popular opinion that he was giving up on his European ambitions, getting the deal he did was an incredibly smart move on his part.


Not only that, but I speculated that perhaps Donovan had a "reserve" put into his contract that would allow for a European transfer should a club there meet a minimum price. Though not confirmed, Andrea Canales references such a clause in a piece on Donovan yesterday, noting a reported valuation of €7 million (roughly $10 million).


From my post the day the Galaxy contract was announced:

Besides, and I'm simply speculating here, it's possible that Donovan's new agreement allows him a modicum of control over any transfer that might come along. Anything is possible, and I wonder if Donovan only agreed to sign the new deal if the league promised to sell him if a minimum amount they would want to justify letting their premier American player go was met. Call it a "Donovan Reserve".

If there is such a clause in Donovan's brand new MLS contract, it immediately changes how people should perceive the deal; say what you want about the dog and pony show that LA put on (something most American sports organizations would do with a star player), successfully negotiating himself an out makes it a very good deal from Donovan's end. I continue to say that Donovan knows where he stands; impress at Everton (a loan he knew was coming when he signed the deal), and there was a reasonable chance he might find a buyer. If not in the spring, he would still have another shot to earn himself a move if he played well at the World Cup. Two ways to prove his worth, and written-in-stone out clause.


The number itself is a different question. For a player like Donovan, it's not an obscene amount of money; for a player like Donovan with no European success on his CV, it's more questionable. Donovan's is surely aware of that fact, and knows it will take a strong performance at Everton and/or the World Cup to raise his price high enough. But there's the added bonus of clubs knowing exactly how much it will take to get him out of MLS. A no-haggle price might draw more attention than would the prospect of negotiating with the Galaxy and the League.


Also remember that Donovan and his representatives had to balance the reserve against his new MLS contract in case nothing worked out abroad. The League could keep Donovan around at his old rate for two more seasons, but wanted to lock up their biggest American star, while Donovan wanted the security and pay raise of a new contract, but wanted the control of an out clause if an opportunity presented itself. In that situation, $11 million seems about right. Again, we're speculating, but it seems to make sense.


From what I gathered, it's doubtful Everton would come in for Donovan at the rumored price, no matter how well he plays. He'll need a massive two months, if his loan isn't extended (a possibility), to have any chance of heading to Europe in July. Guessing at the likelihood of that happening would be just that, guessing.


Donovan is talking about staying in Merseyside past March. He likely has a contract clause that could get him to Europe. I think his European ambitions are extremely clear.


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The Ricardo Clark Situation

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 | View Comments
Ricardo Clark

This morning, I wrote about the forgotten (at least it seems that way to me) USMNT camp taking place in LA; this afternoon, the focus goes to one American player who has seemingly slipped off the radar of many fans. Ricardo Clark.


Clark is still looking for a new team after turning down the possibility of returning to the Houston Dynamo (he, like Stuart Holden, is out of contract), and while the trial of Holden at Burnley, now Bolton, has been dominating the attention of Americans who care about that sort of thing, Clark's saga is actually more interesting.


For info on Clark and his possible landing spot, there's only one resource: Greg Seltzer at No Short Corners. Greg's been tracking the list of Clark suitors since the beginning, and has an update as of yesterday (Clue #3).


That's right; according to Greg, clubs from seven different countries are interested in Clark's services. Now, there are certainly varying degrees of "interest" and not all of the clubs in question may pony up what Clark wants. But it's simply fascinating to see an American player, who's by no means "young" (Clark turns 27 in early February) and who has spent every year of his professional career in MLS, with that kind of attention. It helps that Clark is a free agent, of course.


Seltzer mentions that Clark's suitors definitely include (or did include) clubs from Ligue 1 (France), Bundesliga (Germany), La Liga (Spain), the Danish SuperLiga, and the UK (who Greg thinks might be Celtic), with two more unknown. Clark's performance this summer at the Confederations Cup obviously earned him some kudos in Europe, and not just in one or two places.


I like Clark as a player, even if I think there are better midfield options for Bob Bradley, and even if I think Clark is sometimes a bit too reckless for the international game; but his finding a soft spot to land (meaning he plays) is still important to the US World Cup fortunes because I have no doubt that Clark will play a role in the team this summer.


Though Donovan's loan to Everton is higher-profile, and Holden's trial at Bolton has potential, both of those situations could end with the player in question returning to his MLS club. Not so for Clark; we know he'll end up abroad, and while he's not the country's most visible player or a young star on the rise, he is an American soccer export with a chance to make a mark in Europe.


So the question now is, where would you like to see Clark end up? The specific clubs involved could change the answer, of course, but based simply on his talents and the leagues we know, what would be the best fit?


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