331 replies to this topic

[Titans Bastard]

The trickle of Americans to Europe a decade ago has broadened a bit. Some of these guys have progressed past MLS, some are at about MLS level and some are journeymen who couldn't cut it here. We're starting to get some recognition in larger leagues these days. We have three GKs at upper-level EPL clubs although we're still lacking a true star field player in England. Altidore has moved abroad, shattering the MLS transfer fee record and Mike Bradley is rumored to be on the move for big bucks as well. Figured we could use a thread to make fun of how bad Eddie Johnson is going to look in the EPL, if he ever gets on the field. Anyone else keep track of some of these guys?


Rough list:
Austria
FW Damon Wilson (Kapfenberg)

Belgium
GK Patrick Lane (Cercle Brugge)
MF Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge)
DF Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege)

Denmark
DF Dan Califf (Midtjylland)
GK Tally Hall (Esbjerg)
MF Will John (Randers)
MF Lee Nguyen (Randers)
MF Jeremiah White (AGF)

England
EPL
MF Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
GK Brad Friedel (Aston Villa)
GK Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
GK Tim Howard (Everton)
FW Eddie Johnson (Fulham)
DF Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

CCC
MF Bobby Convey (Reading)
DF Jay DeMerit (Watford)
MF Benny Feilhaber (Derby County)
GK Marcus Hahnemann (Reading)
MF Eddie Lewis (Derby County)
DF Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday)

League One
DF Zak Whitbread (Millwall)
FW Jemal Johnson (Milton Keynes Dons)
GK Ian Joyce (Southend United)

France
Ligue 1
MF Freddy Adu (Monaco -- on loan from Benfica)
DF Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes)
MF Andrew Jacobson (Lorient)

Ligue 2
GK Quentin Westberg (Troyes)

Germany
Bundesliga
MF Bryan Arguez (Hertha)
DF Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)
DF Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund)
MF Sal Zizzo (Hannover 96)

2.Bundesliga
DF Gregg Berhalter (1860 Munich)
MF Grover Gibson (Rot-Weiss Ahlen)
DF Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock)
GK Luis Robles (Kaiserslautern)
GK David Yelldell (TuS Koblenz)

Ireland
FW Ryan Guy (St. Patrick's Athletic)
GK Chris Konopka (Bohemians)

Italy
Serie B
MF Danny Szetela (Brescia)

Serie C1
FW Gabriel Ferrari (Perugia -- on loan from Sampdoria)

Mexico
DF Daniel Hernandez (Jaguares)
FW Sammy Ochoa (UAG Tecos)
DF Michael Orozco (San Luis)
FW Jesus Padilla (Chivas)
MF Jose Francisco Torres (Pachuca)
MF Marco Vidal (Indios de Ciudad Juarez)

Netherlands
Eredivisie
MF Michael Bradley (Heerenveen)

Eerste Divisie
DF Charles Kazlauskas (TOP Oss)

Norway
Tippeligaen
GK Adin Brown (Aalesund)
FW Pat Noonan (Aalesund)
GK Troy Perkins (Valerenga)
FW Brian Waltrip (Molde)
FW Brian West (Fredrikstad)

Adeccoligaen
GK Matt Allen (Bryne)
DF Jamil Fearrington (Sandnes Ulf)
DF Clarence Goodson (IK Start)
DF Jay Needham (Alta)
DF Chris Rodd (Bryne)
DF Kyle Veris (Hodd)
FW Cam Weaver (Haugesund)

Scotland
MF DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers)

Spain
FW Jozy Altidore (Villarreal)

Sweden
GK Colin Burns (Ljungskile)
FW Charlie Davies (Hammarby)
DF Ryan Raybould (Gefle)
DF Etchu Tabe (Ljungskile)

[biollante]

Has Friedel retired or is he waiting for someone to need him ?

[Harry Hooper]

Has Friedel retired or is he waiting for someone to need him ?

He made his debut for Aston Villa today.

[Titans Bastard]

Has Friedel retired or is he waiting for someone to need him ?

If Friedel hadn't retired from the international scene, he'd be right there with Tim Howard for the #1 shirt for the US.


He just signed with Aston Villa (leaving Blackburn) and is apparently on a VERY hefty salary. He's an absolute legend and has been an upper-half keeper in the EPL for years -- you could count the number of mistakes he made last year on one hand. He's probably on his last contract with Villa where he'll be mentoring Brad Guzan who's basically Tim Howard's USMNT backup at this point.

[URI]

Did Keller retire?

[eddiew112]

It seems like a lot of these guys are young (18-22), so does this bode well for the future of American soccer? I have heard of Altidore and Adu of course, but what about some of these other guys? And what happened to Eddie Johnson?

[Titans Bastard]

Did Keller retire?

He's out of contract but hasn't announced anything official. Fulham wanted him back for another year but he turned them down. It's possible he'll turn up with Seattle's expansion team in 2009 since he's from the area, but who knows really. Whatever happens, he was a great of American soccer who opened a lot of doors for a younger generation. How many Yanks can lay claim to playing in the Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga? I'm pretty sure he's the only one.

It seems like a lot of these guys are young (18-22), so does this bode well for the future of American soccer? I have heard of Altidore and Adu of course, but what about some of these other guys? And what happened to Eddie Johnson?

Yeah, it's a good thing. The USA is starting to be looked at more and more as a clearing house for bargain-basement talent. Especially the young guys, who are viewed as extremely low-risk because they are coming out of youth clubs or college and don't require a transfer fee. Germany, Norway, and probably Belgium in the future will be hot destinations because there are no foreigner restrictions. Without an EU passport it can be tough in some places. In some cases it's out-of-contract mid-tier MLS talent going to Norway because it's a similar standard but with much better pay. In other cases it's MLS players being sold, and more frequently now, there are 18 year olds joining Euro academies. Our new U20 team has been calling up three guys at Hertha Berlin for example. A guy at Napoli. One of the better players who was on our U17 team might get legitimate time at Club Brugge this season. It's all good for the US. Our biggest problem as a soccer country is youth development. Sending some younger kids over to Europe is a good thing because it improves our NT. NT success has a positive knock-on effect for pretty much everything related to US soccer. And some of these Euro kids will end up improving the coaching pool back home.

From the last U-20 WC team that crushed Poland and beat Brazil we have Adu (Monaco), Altidore (Villarreal), Arguez (Hertha Berlin), Bradley (Heerenveen), Szetela (Brescia), Zimmerman (Hamburger SV), Zizzo (Hannover), and Ferrari (Sampdoria/Perugia) -- although only 3 were abroad at the time. Adu, Altidore, and Arguez are even young enough to be eligible for the next U20 WC in 2009 -- although Adu and Altidore might not play. Yanks Abroad on our Olympic (U-23) roster are Orozco (San Luis), Bradley, Szetela, Davies (Hammarby), Feilhaber (Derby County), Adu, Altidore, Guzan (Aston Villa).

Obviously some of these guys might turn out to be busts or not meet expectations, but we have some talent over there. One of the guys at last year's U17 WC is joining Sporting Lisbon shortly. Etc.

--

Eddie Johnson is an athletic specimen who is a tactical nightmare and is pretty frustrating. I don't expect him to make much of an impact at Fulham, but you never know.

[ernieshore]

Why are so many players in Norway? Relaxed work permit regulations?

I thought Jay Demerit played very well when Watford was in the Premiership, all things considered. I think he deserves a longer look in the national team. Onyewu looks very slow to me when he goes against stiffer competition and fails to bring the ball forward effectively.

Zak Whitbread is improving at Millwall...its not exactly the top flight but the US needs better young defenders (and forwards and midfielders!).

[Titans Bastard]

Why are so many players in Norway? Relaxed work permit regulations?

I thought Jay Demerit played very well when Watford was in the Premiership, all things considered. I think he deserves a longer look in the national team. Onyewu looks very slow to me when he goes against stiffer competition and fails to bring the ball forward effectively.

Zak Whitbread is improving at Millwall...its not exactly the top flight but the US needs better young defenders (and forwards and midfielders!).

Combination of reasons...relaxed work permit regulations and general familiarity with American players. There aren't a ton of American agents and one of them has a lot of contacts in the region. Norway's top level is about the same level as MLS but pays better. In the lower level there are teams willing to take chances on lower talents fresh out of college or MLS washouts. The global market is pretty big and impossible to fully scout, even for the big clubs. Once a few clubs started looking at Americans, all the Norwegians started doing it.


It doesn't always work out for everyone in Norway -- Pat Noonan has just transferred back to the Columbus Crew.

Edited by Titans Bastard, 07 August 2008 - 05:00 AM.

[Titans Bastard]

Eddie Lewis is heading back to the LA Galaxy and Cory Gibbs has signed with MLS and been claimed by the Colorado Rapids.


Benny Feilhaber is supposed to be in discussions with AGF Aarhus of Denmark, but there is also a rumor that he will sign with our very own New England Revolution.

[CJChap]

Feilhaber completed the move to Denmark.

And out of right field, Edu is headed to Rangers. I hate Rangers but this should be a good move for him, though it sucks they don't have Euro futbol this season.

If I were to make a guess at the next US Nat to move overseas it would be Kliejstan.....

Bradley and Gooch should be finding new clubs soon as well.

[Titans Bastard]

Feilhaber completed the move to Denmark.

And out of right field, Edu is headed to Rangers. I hate Rangers but this should be a good move for him, though it sucks they don't have Euro futbol this season.

If I were to make a guess at the next US Nat to move overseas it would be Kliejstan.....

Bradley and Gooch should be finding new clubs soon as well.

Yep, I think Feilhaber made a good move. A mid-table Danish side will provide the playing time he needs if he's ever going to develop and the Danish league is still a decent if not spectacular standard. He even has another Yank on the team -- "the Reverend" Jeremiah White.

I was expecting Edu to move at some point, but halfway through his second year in MLS is a quick timetable. Apparently the offer is around $5m. Now that American players and MLS are getting a little more respect in the global market, clubs are starting to benefit by getting fewer lowball offers for their players. MLS has never been a big seller, but now that this is ramping up the money that flows in will reap dividends when it is reinvested and is a good thing in the longterm for the league and for US soccer. As far as Edu goes, Rangers is a decent place and a good showroom for the rest of Europe. Sadly the SPL is pretty varied. It has two clubs that are miles ahead of MLS, 2-3 clubs that are roughly MLS standard and the rest are worse. Too bad that he won't get UEFA experience this year.

Lots of Yanks returning to MLS this summer window, too. Most recently Clint Mathis has signed with Salt Lake after trialing a few places. After washing out at Bolton, Johann Smith has signed with Toronto FC.


Gooch has recently been linked with PSG and had been linked to Koln earlier; Bradley with Hamburg. Heath Pearce is also apparently being looked at by Dutch and German clubs. Some of those rumors were from their agents, so take it with a grain of salt -- but all are looking to move up in the world.


Edit: Oh, and Kasey Keller has signed a 2009 contract with Seattle Sounders FC

Edited by Titans Bastard, 15 August 2008 - 08:57 PM.

[ossie schreckengost]

Bradley and Gooch should be finding new clubs soon as well.

my borussia mönchengladbach will sign michael bradley tomorrow, pending his physical. whohoo!

[Titans Bastard]

an update after the winter transfer window. not an incredible amount of action with a few moves like Sacha Kljestan and Chad Marshall falling through. Landon Donovan was the big one, and he's started off well at Bayern. It's nice to have a Yank at a truly big club. Adding Jose Francisco Torres (Pachuca) to the ranks is also a nice change.

Australia
FW Michael Enfield (Sydney FC)

Austria
FW Damon Wilson (Kapfenberg)
FW Preston Zimmerman (Kapfenberg)

Belgium
MF Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge)
GK Patrick Lane (Cercle Brugge)
DF Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege)

Denmark
DF Danny Califf (Midtjylland)
MF Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus)
DF Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaelland)
FW Marcus Tracy (Aalborg)
MF Jeremiah White (Aalborg)

England
Premier League
MF Clint Dempsey (Fulham)
GK Brad Friedel (Aston Villa)
GK Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
GK Tim Howard (Everton)
DF Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

Championship
MF Bobby Convey (Reading)
DF Jay DeMerit (Watford)
GK Marcus Hahnemann (Reading)
FW Eddie Johnson (Cardiff City -- on loan from Fulham)
DF Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday)

League One
FW Jemal Johnson (Milton Keynes Dons)
GK Ian Joyce (Southend United)
DF Zak Whitbread (Millwall)

League Two
FW Jon-Paul Pittman (Wycombe Wanderers)

France
Ligue 1[/b]
MF Freddy Adu (Monaco -- on loan from Benfica)
DF Carlos Bocanegra (Stade Rennais)

Ligue 2
GK Quentin Westberg

Germany
1.Bundesliga
MF Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach)
DF Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96)
FW Landon Donovan (Bayern Munich -- on loan from LA Galaxy)
MF Sal Zizzo (Hannover 96)

2.Bundesliga
DF Gregg Berhalter (1860 Munich)
MF Grover Gibson (Rot-Weiss Ahlen)
DF Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock)
GK Luis Robles (Kaiserslautern)
FW Matt Taylor (TuS Koblenz)
GK David Yelldell (TuS Koblenz)

Ireland
FW Ryan Guy (St. Patrick's Athletic)

Israel
DF Erik Hort (Maccabi Tel Aviv)

Italy
Serie B
MF Danny Szetela (Brescia)

Serie C
FW Gabriel Ferrari (Perugia -- on loan from Sampdoria)

Mexico
DF Daniel Hernandez (Jaguares)
FW Sammy Ochoa (UAG Tecos)
DF Michael Orozco (San Luis)
FW Jesus Padilla (Chivas de Guadalajara)
MF Jose Francisco Torres (Pachuca)
MF Marco Vidal (Indios de Ciudad Juarez)

Norway
GK Matt Allen (Sandefjord)
GK Adin Brown (Aalesunds)
DF Hunter Freeman (IK Start)
DF Clarence Goodson (IK Start)
GK Troy Perkins (Valerenga)
FW Brian Waltrip (Molde FK)

Scotland
MF DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers)
MF Maurice Edu (Rangers)

Spain
[i]Segunda Division
FW Jozy Altidore (Xerez -- on loan from Villarreal)

Sweden
MF Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro)
FW Charlie Davies (Hammarby)
DF Ryan Raybould (Gefle)

Vietnam
MF Lee Nguyen (Hoang Anh Gia Lai)


and some academy guys:

Eric Lichaj -- Aston Villa
Kyle Davies -- Southampton
Ellis McLoughlin -- Hertha Berlin
Alfredo Morales -- Hertha Berlin
Bryan Arguez -- Hertha Berlin
Vincenzo Bernardo -- Napoli
Giuseppe Nazzani -- Bologna
Gregory Garza -- Sporting Lisbon

[AusTexSoxFan]

It's big news that Jozy is going to Xerez. I like the move. Xerez is in line to gain promotion to the Primera so he'll be playing in some high pressure and intense games. It'll be good experience for him. Really looking forwrad to seeing how he does there.

[bosox4283]

It's big news that Jozy is going to Xerez. I like the move. Xerez is in line to gain promotion to the Primera so he'll be playing in some high pressure and intense games. It'll be good experience for him. Really looking forwrad to seeing how he does there.

Agreed. Great move for him.

[Titans Bastard]

It's big news that Jozy is going to Xerez. I like the move. Xerez is in line to gain promotion to the Primera so he'll be playing in some high pressure and intense games. It'll be good experience for him. Really looking forwrad to seeing how he does there.

It's a great move for Jozy and a great move for Xerez. He just isn't quite ready to get regular time at Villarreal and he just needs to play. This is definitely not one of those one-foot-out-the-door type loans that happen quite frequently, Pellegrini is really high on him. Everton wanted him on loan, too, but Xerez is a much better fit because Altidore wouldn't get much more PT at Everton than he would have at Villarreal.


In other news, Duke's Mike Grella signs with Leeds United. From Champions League contenders to signing US college kids while in League One. Hell of a fall... although Grella is supposed to be decent.

[allaboutthesox]

It's a great move for Jozy and a great move for Xerez. He just isn't quite ready to get regular time at Villarreal and he just needs to play. This is definitely not one of those one-foot-out-the-door type loans that happen quite frequently, Pellegrini is really high on him. Everton wanted him on loan, too, but Xerez is a much better fit because Altidore wouldn't get much more PT at Everton than he would have at Villarreal.
In other news, Duke's Mike Grella signs with Leeds United. From Champions League contenders to signing US college kids while in League One. Hell of a fall... although Grella is supposed to be decent.

I am surprised at the lack of PT that Jozy has gotten at Xerex and here is a link to an article that was on Yanksabroad that I found to be an interesting read.

Jozy still adapting

With Everton's injuries adding up, I am wondering if a loan to Everton would have been better. Although adapting to the Spanish League is probably more important.

[Spacemans Bong]

Landy has been awful for Bayern.

[allaboutthesox]

Landy has been awful for Bayern.

I haven't seen him play in any actual games for Bayern, but I have read the same. I did see some of his play in the friendlies (via youtube) and he seemed to play well in the clips I saw. I guess though in games that really counted he has stunk up the place. I really thought that this time he would actually make it in Germany this time. Third time is not a charm I suppose.

[AusTexSoxFan]

I am surprised at the lack of PT that Jozy has gotten at Xerex and here is a link to an article that was on Yanksabroad that I found to be an interesting read.

Jozy still adapting

With Everton's injuries adding up, I am wondering if a loan to Everton would have been better. Although adapting to the Spanish League is probably more important.

Needless to say, I've been pretty disappointed that Esteban Vigo hasn't even given Jozy a single minute of playing time since he's been there. Pellegrini gave him more time off the bench at Villarreal than what he has at Xerez. I think what is happening is that Vigo doesn't want to disrupt the form that Xerez has developed in the last several months by bringing in Jozy. Xerez is fighting for promotion (they are first in the 2nd division right now) and I bet he just wants to keep his same starting 11 and 3 subs until they are safely promoted. It's a shame.

[Spacemans Bong]

I haven't seen him play in any actual games for Bayern, but I have read the same. I did see some of his play in the friendlies (via youtube) and he seemed to play well in the clips I saw. I guess though in games that really counted he has stunk up the place. I really thought that this time he would actually make it in Germany this time. Third time is not a charm I suppose.

Supposedly the Bayern fans are pissed. The title is slipping away and Klinsmann bought him out as his big January signing and Landy has stunk. Thing is, Klinsmann might be going back to SoCal with Donovan. It's looking more and more like the 2006 World Cup was a fluke and that it was Jogi Low's work.

[allaboutthesox]

Needless to say, I've been pretty disappointed that Esteban Vigo hasn't even given Jozy a single minute of playing time since he's been there. Pellegrini gave him more time off the bench at Villarreal than what he has at Xerez. I think what is happening is that Vigo doesn't want to disrupt the form that Xerez has developed in the last several months by bringing in Jozy. Xerez is fighting for promotion (they are first in the 2nd division right now) and I bet he just wants to keep his same starting 11 and 3 subs until they are safely promoted. It's a shame.

More like a waste it seems for Jozy. He could have easily received more time at Everton than he is receiving at Xerez. Heck, he was getting more time at Villareal like you mentioned. Did Jozy have any say whatsoever to which club he was loaned out to? I am inclined to think not at all.

As far as Landon Donnovan goes, has he really stunk? I am just asking as I have not seen him play at all in any League games. What further concerns me is that Landon Donnovan seems to be a player who cannot adapt to the big stage. Take a look at his last couple of World Cups as well as his 3 ventures to the Bundesliga as proof. I am still high on Klinnsman as a coach and I still say he should have been the coach for the USMNT, but that is another topic.

[goyangfc]

Charlie Davies is the man. Watch him closely in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

[Titans Bastard]

Landy has been awful for Bayern.

There's a difference between being awful and not being good enough to impress the board of directors that never wanted you in the first place. Donovan wasn't great and in truth he's a borderline player at a club like Bayern. He might have been able to stick in another situation, but in this case he was Klinsmann's guy and Klinsmann's guy alone. Bayern is also very fiscally responsible by SuperClub standards and they weren't going to ever meet MLS's asking price for a 4th striker who isn't that young.

Landon was an embarrassment during the Leverkusen years. This time, it just didn't work out.



In other news, Eddie Johnson finally scored his first goal in Europe. Somehow, he's become a cult hero at Cardiff City. I don't really understand that one. This month Edu has been starting for Rangers, which is a good breakthrough. He'll get NT callups if he can play regularly there. Walter Smith seems to really like him. Bradley has put in a string of good performances for M'Gladbach. He scored a goal a few games ago and last game he looked very good as they demolished Hamburg and finally moved out of last place. Spector is finally healthy and is seeing sub time for West Ham. Szetela has been less fortunate with playing time at Brescia in the second half of the season. Torres is still starting regularly for Pachuca. Hahnemann looks like he's been Wally Pipp'ed by Reading's young Aussie keeper. Marcus is healthy again but is on the bench. The good news is that Luis Robles is steadily moving up the US GK chart with strong performances at Kaiserslautern. We might see him at the Gold Cup this summer.

[allaboutthesox]

There's a difference between being awful and not being good enough to impress the board of directors that never wanted you in the first place. Donovan wasn't great and in truth he's a borderline player at a club like Bayern. He might have been able to stick in another situation, but in this case he was Klinsmann's guy and Klinsmann's guy alone. Bayern is also very fiscally responsible by SuperClub standards and they weren't going to ever meet MLS's asking price for a 4th striker who isn't that young.

Landon was an embarrassment during the Leverkusen years. This time, it just didn't work out.
In other news, Eddie Johnson finally scored his first goal in Europe. Somehow, he's become a cult hero at Cardiff City. I don't really understand that one. This month Edu has been starting for Rangers, which is a good breakthrough. He'll get NT callups if he can play regularly there. Walter Smith seems to really like him. Bradley has put in a string of good performances for M'Gladbach. He scored a goal a few games ago and last game he looked very good as they demolished Hamburg and finally moved out of last place. Spector is finally healthy and is seeing sub time for West Ham. Szetela has been less fortunate with playing time at Brescia in the second half of the season. Torres is still starting regularly for Pachuca. Hahnemann looks like he's been Wally Pipp'ed by Reading's young Aussie keeper. Marcus is healthy again but is on the bench. The good news is that Luis Robles is steadily moving up the US GK chart with strong performances at Kaiserslautern. We might see him at the Gold Cup this summer.

Well, I can't help but to wonder if Klinnsmann should move on from Bayern Munich and coach at Man City (rumored that he was flattered) if Klinnsman might be more inclined to bring in Donnovan at that point. I do agree Donnovan had a steep hill to climb at Bayern Munich with the forwards they already had. I would like to see Landon play overseas as I think he is primed for it as he is only 27 years old.

Good to see Edu getting playing time as well as Spector. EJ, man I just don't know what to think about him anymore. I was one of his biggest supporters for the longest time, but I think it will take something spectacular for EJ to see him get decent playing time again on the USMNT.

Bradley has been seeing a lot of playing time at his club and his goal was a PK. None the less, Bradley seems to improve at every level he has been at. Torres is a player I would like to see get more call ups and actual playing time with the US. This summer will be a good time for us ( as fans) to gauge where a lot of players are going to stand as far as callups and spots on the 2010 WC team.

[allaboutthesox]

I came across this article on Yanks abroad about Jozy Altidore being loaned out to another team. Here is the link.

Edited by allaboutthesox, 20 March 2009 - 09:57 PM.

[CJChap]

Not happenin'...

[allaboutthesox]

Not happenin'...

Yeah I gathered that much from the article. I posted the link as I was wondering how it was possible to be "loaned" out after the window closes and I am wondering if Altidore and Villareal would have any say in a move like that since he was loaned out to Xerex.

None the less, it would be interesting to see how Jozy is feeling about all of this right now. I am surprised he hasn't seen any playing time at all at Xerex.

[AusTexSoxFan]

What did you think about the article overall?

[allaboutthesox]

What did you think about the article overall?

I thought it was solid as it stuck to the information that was available at the time it was written. Rather than with personal bias "fluff" material.

[AusTexSoxFan]

Thank you.


I wrote it.

[allaboutthesox]

Thank you.
I wrote it.

Well, hot damn. I didn't have any clue that you wrote for them but when you asked "what did you think of the article", I had my suspicions at that point.

[AusTexSoxFan]

Talked to Danny Szetela yesterday and the article is now up on the site.

[Mighty Barrett]

AusTexSoxFan,

Just curious, why does Yanks Abroad refer to Altidore by his full name (Josmer) rather than his nickname (Jozy)?

[AusTexSoxFan]

I think it's because we try to use everyone's full proper name when referring to players. I used Josmer to try to stay consistent with previous Altidore articles. BTW, Jozy didn't play on Saturday. He sat out practice today with a 'toenail problem' according to the Xerez website. Lord.....

I'm also now covering Scotland so I'll be doing the Rangers previews and recaps.

Edited by AusTexSoxFan, 13 April 2009 - 11:26 AM.

[AusTexSoxFan]

Kind of a PSA/FYI... Article up on the site on Mo Edu. Got to talk to him last week. Good dude. Clowned DaMarcus Beasley's cooking skills. Ha!

[allaboutthesox]

Kind of a PSA/FYI... Article up on the site on Mo Edu. Got to talk to him last week. Good dude. Clowned DaMarcus Beasley's cooking skills. Ha!

Has to be nice to be able to interact with some of the players, even in an interview setting.

[dirtynine]

Gooch scored for his Belgian club this weekend. Bocanegra scored too, in the French Cup final, but Rennes was beaten late by Guignamp (I think I spelled that right), a second division club, for the cup. Tough one to take for ol' Charlie Blackmouth.

[AusTexSoxFan]

Has to be nice to be able to interact with some of the players, even in an interview setting.

It is. Mo was particulary impressive. I had called him a couple times but didn't have any luck reaching him. I decided to email him my questions and the next morning I had a text message from him saying he could speak on the phone later that day if I still wanted to do that. Ended up talking for 15 minutes.

Also no coincidence that Rangers has won 7 straight and Mo started 6 of those. Walter Smith praised his effort in their Saturday win over Celtic.

Big match on Wednesday against Hibs.

[allaboutthesox]

It is. Mo was particulary impressive. I had called him a couple times but didn't have any luck reaching him. I decided to email him my questions and the next morning I had a text message from him saying he could speak on the phone later that day if I still wanted to do that. Ended up talking for 15 minutes.

Also no coincidence that Rangers has won 7 straight and Mo started 6 of those. Walter Smith praised his effort in their Saturday win over Celtic.

Big match on Wednesday against Hibs.

I can't lie, I am somewhat jealous.

[AusTexSoxFan]

Great day for the Yanks.

Mo Edu and Rangers win the SPL while Gooch and Liege win the Belgian title playoff.

Also, Confed Cup roster announced.

[Titans Bastard]

early transfers:
MF Kamani Hill to Vitoria Guimaraes (Portugal)
GK Dominic Cervi to Celtic
FW Matt Taylor from Koblenz (Germany) to FSV Frankfurt (Germany)

some talented youth going abroad:
MF Sebastian Lletget (West Ham United)
GK Samir Badr (Porto)

there will be lots more later -- MF Luis Gil trialling at Arsenal right now. Bayern Munich interested in MF Joseph Gyau. Basically tons of our U-17 team is garnering interest.

lots of guys will be on the move:
CB Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege, out of contract -- M'gladbach, Marseille, PSG, Fulham, ???)
GK Marcus Hahnemann (Reading, released)
RM Preston Zimmerman (Kapfenberg, contract voided, trialling in England?)
RM Sal Zizzo (Hannover, currently excess goods)
LB Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock, needs to get out)
CM Danny Szetela (Racing Santander/Brescia, neither likes him all that much)
CB Zak Whitbread (Millwall, too good for League 1 -- Rangers rumors?? He'll at least hook on with a Championship club)
RM/FW Jemal Johnson (MK Dons, contract negotiations broke down)

a bunch of others might also be heading for new clubs:
FW Eddie Johnson (Fulham, do they really want him?)
GK Luis Robles (Kaiserslautern, the club is stacked at GK and if they decide he's not the starter, he'd fetch a transfer fee)
FW Gabriel Ferrari (Sampdoria/Perugia -- needs to find a real home)
MF/FW Freddy Adu (Benfica/Monaco -- Monaco doesn't want him, Benfica unlikely too, although possible)
LM DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers, out of favor)
FW Jozy Altidore (Villarreal/Xerez, a new loan, perhaps?)
FW Charlie Davies (Hammarby, ready for a new challenge and his team sucks this year although he's still scoring)


from MLS, it's always hard to gauge who will be sold, but there will be some moving abroad. Kljestan, Donovan, Cooper, and Wynne will be some of the more likely names on the market, but who knows really.

[AusTexSoxFan]

Don't forget Anton Peterlin going to Everton. From the PDL to the EPL. Amazing.

[AusTexSoxFan]

More shameless self-promotion...

Talked to Mo Edu again yesterday. Article is up on the Yanks Abroad website.

[ossie schreckengost]

CB Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege, out of contract -- M'gladbach, Marseille, PSG, Fulham, ???)

looks like he´s going to freshly promoted birmingham.
the bastard

he already had a verbal agreement in place with my borussia. but, then again, i´d rather play for birmingham, too, than for the steaming pile of dung my borussia will be next season.
a manager to spare, anybody? we need a manager. hans meyer resigned yesterday. we´re fucked. again. god, i hate football.

[Titans Bastard]

looks like he´s going to freshly promoted birmingham.
the bastard

he already had a verbal agreement in place with my borussia. but, then again, i´d rather play for birmingham, too, than for the steaming pile of dung my borussia will be next season.
a manager to spare, anybody? we need a manager. hans meyer resigned yesterday. we´re fucked. again. god, i hate football.

If it's really true that he could have gone to Marseille, Onyewu-to-Birmingham is pretty disappointing.


Anyway, hopefully M'gladbach will be comfortably mid-table next season. They have some holes to fill, though...

[allaboutthesox]

Of the names that were listed above I think the ones to watch are Donnovan, Altidore, and Adu. I am assuming, but I am pretty sure Donnovan is going to leave the MLS as play abroad. I would like to think he may go to a team in which he will actually get solid playing time instead of a high profiled, star laden team. I think Donnovan will end up where Klinnsman may coach. I vaguely remember at some point in which Klinnsman was linked to some EPL jobs possibly. If that were to happen I could see Klinnsman bringing Donnovan in. I think the EPL would be great for Donnovan and there are some teams that could use him as well in my own opinion.

Altidore intrigues me as I just figured that he would head back to Villareal as he was at least getting playing time there and received minimal to no playing time at Xeres. I know that at the tail end of the season it seemed as if Altidore was going to get some playing time, but had the toenail surgery. I think Altidore expressed a mutual interest in returning on another season loan to Xerez, but if Altidore should have a great month I would like to think Villareal would want him to come back. It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds here.

Adu is the most intriguing to me. Monaco was supposed to allow him to see the field more often than not, but that was not the case. I thought that Adu was doing well in Benfica initially as a super sub coming off the bench. I am not sure where Adu will land, but I can only hope it is not back in the MLS. I really think that for Adu to improve as a player he needs to play overseas. It might be a good idea for Adu to maybe play for a team that is not in the top flight league. A place where he will actually play. Adu is only 19 years old and I do believe he is still very capable of great things. However, he must see the field and needs to go to a place in which he can play on a regular basis. He could very well benefit from playing well in a lower league and then in time moving on to a high profile team in a top tier league.

[Mr. Wednesday]

I'd guess the earliest Donovan will move will be next winter. MLS wanted somewhere in the ballpark of $10 MM for him this past spring, and I can't imagine the price tag would go down for a midseason acquisition that would leave LA in the lurch.

Adu's biggest problem at Monaco looks to have been that the coach, Ricardo, didn't ask for him and wasn't interested in his skillset. Blame Freddy and/or his handlers for not doing their due diligence before arranging the loan.

Edited by Mr. Wednesday, 29 May 2009 - 10:45 PM.

[Titans Bastard]

I'd guess the earliest Donovan will move will be next winter. MLS wanted somewhere in the ballpark of $10 MM for him this past spring, and I can't imagine the price tag would go down for a midseason acquisition that would leave LA in the lurch.

Yeah, I don't see it happening this summer. But transfers out of MLS are unpredictable, so you never know. After the Beckham fiasco last offseason, I don't think LA can afford to let their remaining star leave midseason, so you are probably right.

Adu's biggest problem at Monaco looks to have been that the coach, Ricardo, didn't ask for him and wasn't interested in his skillset. Blame Freddy and/or his handlers for not doing their due diligence before arranging the loan.

Yes, it's a shame because he had options. It's also a shame that Benfica's revolving door managers that season ultimately shipped him out. He did pretty much all he could do that season. Goal/minute ratio was off the charts in late sub appearances. Benfica is recalling him for now, but they'll probably loan/sell him. It's a very important decision time for Freddy.