USMNT Stars on the Move

Summer Transfer Outlook for Key American Players

As the dust settles on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, all eyes pivot to the promising contingent of the U.S. men's national team, whose median age was the most youthful across the tournament's participants. The narrative of potential and promise will soon evolve into that of concrete deliverables as these rising stars step into the zenith of their careers. The World Cup at home soil in 2026 amplifies the anticipations.

The onset of the summer of 2023 could well be a significant milestone in the career trajectory of these young talents, shaping the USMNT's evolution to match the rising expectations. From high-profile figures like Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams entering the sweet spot of their careers, to fledgling prodigies like Yunus Musah and Tim Weah eager to escalate their careers, to relatively lesser-known names like Auston Trusty and Taylor Booth striving to solidify their positions in the team's ranks, their club decisions - the nation they represent, the playing style, their role within their teams, and their regular appearance in European competitions, will mold their individual growth, ultimately mirroring onto the USMNT's success.

The USMNT finds itself in a state of transition, with changes pervading from the administrative echelons to the tactical management, trickling down to the very key players. Matt Crocker, the newly appointed sporting director of U.S. Soccer, marks the initiation of a chain of pivotal decisions in the organization. With the aim of appointing a USMNT head coach by August, Crocker's decisions will crucially steer the direction of the program. FIFA's recent approval of Folarin Balogun's switch to represent the United States, previously affiliated with England, ahead of his debut at the Nations League next month, is another significant step.

Now with Balogun's international future sorted, his attention pivots to his club career. This sense of uncertainty echoes among numerous key players of the first-team pool, with a considerable number of U.S. players based in Europe potentially considering a move this summer.

The destination of these players is a multi-factorial decision, not entirely in their hands. How many players will be the go-to options for transfers? How many will learn their fate later in the transfer window as replacements? And how will individual ambitions – the aspiration to play for a Champions League contender versus the desire to be the centerpiece – compete against the players' market value?

This crucial transfer window marks a defining moment for these U.S. players based in Europe.

I utilized The Athletic for research purposes and their excellent coverage of the USMNT.

---

Likely leaving

Christian Pulisic

Commencing with the team's skipper and shining luminary, Christian Pulisic, appears poised for a departure from Chelsea in the forthcoming summer. With only a year remaining in his current contract, Pulisic's Premier League game-time was curtailed to a mere 813 minutes this season, suggesting a shift in the depth chart under the supervision of three different managers within the 2022-23 tenure alone. The impending appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea's next manager could potentially alter Pulisic's standing within the bustling offensive line-up.

Projecting a probable destination for the American captain is complex, due to a nebulous mixture of financial considerations, club stature, and Chelsea's own strategic maneuvers. Rumors of Pulisic being leveraged in potential swap arrangements to facilitate Chelsea's acquisition of new talents have added to the uncertainty.

Newcastle United, basking in the glory of their recent qualification for the Champions League, could present an attractive proposition for Pulisic, given their offering of European soccer, financial strength to support the transaction, and an opportunity for consistent first-team action. Italian powerhouses AC Milan and Napoli might be viable options, but fiscal challenges might prove a stumbling block.

A vital consideration revolves around Pulisic's own ambitions. Does he aspire to join another Champions League team, where his playtime will be fiercely contested? Or would he prefer stepping down to a second-tier club, where he would be expected to take on a central role and continue his development in such an environment?

At the age of 24, Pulisic is standing at a pivotal junction in his career, with plenty of significant decisions yet to be taken.

Yunus Musah

Following a fruitful three-season stint as a linchpin in Valencia's midfield, the 20-year-old Yunus Musah is poised to seek fresh pastures this summer, with the Premier League appearing to be a probable destination.

Musah's name has been associated with numerous Premier League giants including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool among others. Being a former England youth international and an alumnus of Arsenal's academy prior to his tenure at Valencia, Musah’s potential return to England has a certain resonance.

As Valencia grapples with the specter of relegation, their fate still hangs in the balance despite a favorable position heading into the final day of the season. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Musah could potentially be on the market for approximately $22 million.

As a vital cog in the USMNT machinery, having already amassed 24 international appearances, Musah's next move will undoubtedly have significant implications for the national team.

Folarin Balogun

The United States men's national team's newest sensation, Folarin Balogun, has already made a pivotal decision this summer with FIFA sanctioning his allegiance to represent the United States. Yet, the pressing matter at hand is the resolution of his club career. The 21-year-old prodigy has been turning heads with a remarkable loan spell at Reims from Arsenal, carving out a niche for himself as the first American to net 20 goals in a single season in any of the top five European leagues. Balogun's contribution is indispensable to Reims, accounting for nearly half of their total goal tally and propelling him to a commendable fourth place in the Golden Boot contention.

As per the insights divulged by The Athletic’s David Ornstein last month, Balogun seeks a primary striker role in his future club, a prospect which seems bleak at Arsenal, given the presence of star forwards such as Gabriel Jesus. Balogun is also reportedly disinclined towards another loan spell, with a permanent transfer being his preferred choice. It is expected that powerhouses such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Marseille, and Monaco will be in hot pursuit of this American striking sensation.

Sergiño Dest

The journey of Sergiño Dest from Ajax to Barcelona has been less than idyllic, and his loan spell at AC Milan only added to his miseries. With summer approaching, Dest's ensuing transfer, whether permanent or loan-based, seems to be a critical juncture in his budding career.

Despite being just 22, Dest's predicaments have been many. He has been part of the starting eleven only twice in the Serie A this season with Milan and has been conspicuously absent from the league games since January 24. His name has not graced the substitutes' bench since March 4. With Milan unwilling to exercise their purchase option, Dest will be returning to Barcelona this summer, only to possibly embark on a fresh journey elsewhere.

Rumors linking Dest with a loan move to Union Berlin, where he could team up with fellow USMNT player Jordan Pefok, have been quashed by an insider privy to Dest's future plans, as reported by The Athletic. Given the stature of Dest's past clubs, the aspiration for him to feature in the Champions League next season is strong. However, above all else, Dest needs to find a club where he can secure regular playing time to regain his footing in the game.

Tim Weah

Tim Weah has been a regular feature in Lille's line-up this season, yet the forward often found himself deployed in fullback roles, on either flank. This stands in stark contrast to his thriving performances as a straightforward winger in a 4-3-3 system for the USMNT.

The 23-year-old American could be on the move from Lille this summer. His performances have piqued the interest of clubs from each of the top five European leagues. A source involved in Weah's future plans corroborated to The Athletic that Olympique de Marseille is indeed among the clubs showing keen interest in the American forward.

Having switched from PSG to Lille in 2019, Weah tasted success with his new club in the 2020-21 season by clinching the Ligue 1 title. Lille is currently nestled at the fifth spot with two games left in the season. Weah's notable achievements also include scoring the inaugural goal for the USMNT at the World Cup. He is widely recognized as a leading figure and a binding force within the locker room. The anticipation is for Weah to secure a spot in a team where he can consistently operate as a winger, a position he has notably excelled at on the international stage.

Ricardo Pepi

Ricardo Pepi is seemingly intent on parting ways with Augsburg this summer, a sentiment that he has unequivocally communicated to the German outfit, causing significant tumult within the club.

Differing perspectives regarding Pepi's future have been voiced by the player, his representative, and Augsburg, contributing to a sense of disorder. The esteemed Fabrizio Romano quoted Pepi stating there was "no chance" of him staying with Augsburg despite the club's assertions of counting on his contributions next season. Meanwhile, Pepi's agent, in a statement to Dutch media, suggested that the club should respond to Pepi's texts before making public comments about him. Augsburg, on the other hand, has openly expressed that they feel no obligation to let him go.

Clubs such as PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord are said to be keen on acquiring Pepi, but reaching a consensus on a transfer fee is likely to be a challenging affair. Augsburg initially shelled out a club-record fee of roughly $18 million, plus $2 million in performance-related add-ons to acquire the forward from FC Dallas just 18 months ago. Additionally, Pepi is contracted with the club until the summer of 2026, with an option for an additional year, providing Augsburg with considerable leverage in the negotiations.

At the young age of 20, Pepi has already bagged 12 goals during his loan spell with FC Groningen in the Dutch top flight, despite the club's relegation to the second tier for the upcoming season.

Zack Steffen

Zack Steffen is charting his course away from Manchester City come summer, with the possibility of a permanent transfer on the horizon, though another loan stint hasn't been completely discounted.

"I don't see myself returning," Steffen candidly revealed to Jonathan Tannenwald of the Philadelphia Inquirer in March. "No, my ambition lies in playing regularly. Despite the wonderful time I spent at City and the fondness I hold for the guys there, and despite it being an outstanding club, I don't really harbor plans to return."

The 28-year-old spent this season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship. However, their quest for promotion ended in disappointment, as they were knocked out in the Championship playoffs. Subsequently, the club announced that Steffen would be among the players bidding adieu this summer. Manchester City had initially brought Steffen on board for approximately $7.5 million upfront (with add-ons potentially raising the fee to $10 million) in January 2019.

Potential opportunities for loan or permanent deals elsewhere in England or even Germany—where he spent the 2019-20 season on loan with Dusseldorf—are likely on the cards.

Ethan Horvath

Nottingham Forest's custodian, Ethan Horvath, who spent the season on loan at Luton Town, played an instrumental role in their ascendancy to the Premier League. Horvath was an ever-present figure in goal, starting 44 games for Luton this campaign, averaging a commendable 0.84 goals against per 90 minutes. Although his post-shot expected goals rate fell slightly below the anticipated threshold, Horvath maintained a steady presence between the posts, and for the second consecutive season, he played an essential part in a Championship team's rise to the Premier League.

Given his influential role this season, it wouldn't be shocking if Luton decided to exercise their option to secure Horvath's services on a permanent basis this summer.

Malik Tillman

At Rangers, on loan from German powerhouse Bayern Munich, Malik Tillman has made a significant impact in his debut season in the Scottish top-flight. The crux of the matter now rests on whether Rangers will exercise their purchase option included in the original deal.

Tillman, who turns 21 next week, has been a revelation, contributing 11 goals and providing four assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for the Scottish behemoth this season. He managed to sneak in seven appearances for Bayern Munich last season, striving to secure a spot in the star-studded first team. The young talent's preferences will undoubtedly influence whether he stays put in Scotland or embarks on a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Bryan Reynolds

In what seems to be a foregone conclusion, Bryan Reynolds, AS Roma's 21-year-old fullback, is tipped for an imminent departure from the Italian capital this summer. A myriad of clubs are eyeing the promising American, ready to seize the opportunity.

As reported by The Athletic last week, West Ham United are locked in a pursuit for Reynolds, while Belgian side Westerlo saw their initial overtures rebuffed. A plan is hatching in East London, part of which envisions Reynolds on loan at Sparta Prague next season to guarantee him steady playing time, as per a source privy to the discussions.

Meanwhile, clubs from Belgium, the Netherlands, and England have all thrown their hats into the ring. Given Reynolds' comfort level and form in Belgium, where he's currently on loan at Westerlo following a half-season stint at Kortrijk, remaining in Belgium or transitioning to neighboring Netherlands seems plausible.

It's worth noting that Reynolds barely got a sniff of Serie A action under Jose Mourinho, clocking just a solitary minute, despite being snapped up by Roma from FC Dallas back in January 2021.

Auston Trusty

Auston Trusty's debut season in England was nothing short of impressive. Earning the distinction of Birmingham City’s Supporters’ Player of the Year, Trusty clearly made his mark while on loan from Arsenal.

However, breaking into Arsenal's first team seems like a tall order for the 24-year-old, thus his relocation appears to be on the horizon. A link-up with Scottish giants Rangers has been rumored, and given his successful stint at Birmingham, interest from other clubs in the Championship seems almost inevitable.

Trusty was a bulwark in Birmingham's backline, starting 44 of the club's Championship matches. Adding a notable offensive contribution, he also netted four goals. It will be interesting to see where Trusty lands, but his strong performance in the Championship will undoubtedly provide him with a variety of options.

Taylor Booth

Taylor Booth's successful season with Utrecht led to his debut in the US Men's National Team in March, marking a significant milestone in his career.

The multi-talented midfielder, who will turn 22 next week, boasts an impressive track record with Utrecht. After parting ways with Bayern Munich, he scored two goals and provided four assists in 24 Eredivisie appearances in his debut season in the Netherlands. Such performances are often a beacon for larger clubs within the league and across Europe.

Given Booth's potential and recent accomplishments, Utrecht will undoubtedly want to maximize their return if they decide to let him go. Setting the right price will be crucial in this scenario, given that it could dictate where Booth's next career destination lies. As such, this upcoming transfer window will be crucial for both Utrecht and Booth as they evaluate their respective futures.

---

The Leeds Fallout

Tyler Adams

Tyler Adams, whose dazzling inaugural season with Leeds United was prematurely halted by a hamstring surgery in March, dealt a crushing blow to the club's struggle to avoid relegation. The harsh reality was confirmed on the season's closing day, with Leeds concluding the campaign at the 19th position, thereby cementing their status in the Championship for the 2023-24 season.

The general consensus suggests Adams' exit is imminent, but the question of his next destination remains.

Adams' commendable performance and tactical compatibility with the Premier League style of play could make him a tantalizing prospect for any club outside the top six that can afford his services. Adams will need to weigh his options. Would he opt for a rotational role in one of the top-six elite clubs, or continue to be a key figure in a team further down the ranks, as was the case with Leeds?

The American international's successful stint of two and a half seasons at RB Leipzig makes him a fitting choice for the Bundesliga, but the German clubs might struggle to match the financial muscle of their Premier League counterparts, both in terms of transfer fee and contractual obligations.

Weston McKennie

Weston McKennie's tenure at Leeds United ended on a sour note, with the supporters resorting to derogatory chants directed at the American during his substitution on the final day of the season.

McKennie is slated to return to Juventus following his unfortunate loan spell at Leeds. However, it begs the question, will the American international take another plunge into the English league?

Most recently, Brighton and Hove Albion has emerged as a potential suitor for McKennie's services this summer. Bournemouth and Aston Villa had previously shown interest in the versatile midfielder in January before he committed to Leeds. The 24-year-old clocked up 41 appearances across Juventus and Leeds this season, demonstrating his resilience despite a challenging environment.

Brenden Aaronson

Much like Tyler Adams, it is anticipated that Brenden Aaronson will seek fresh pastures this summer following the unfortunate relegation of Leeds United.

The Athletic has revealed that Aaronson indeed possesses a relegation release clause in his contract, and it is expected to be activated. Staying within the top flight should present him with a range of opportunities.

Aaronson, who made a $30 million switch from RB Salzburg to Leeds last summer—a deal contingent on Leeds retaining their Premier League status—played in 36 of the club's 38 league games this season. However, he hasn't been in the starting line-up for over a month.

The industrious forward made his breakthrough with the Philadelphia Union before moving on to RB Salzburg, where he spent a year and a half prior to his Leeds stint. The 22-year-old boasts 29 caps with the USMNT and will no doubt be looking to continue his growth at a top-flight club.

---

Likely staying put

Gio Reyna

Borussia Dortmund ended their season in a crushing disappointment, missing their chance to secure their first Bundesliga title in over a decade with a home draw against Mainz. Gio Reyna, though not a consistent starter, contributed significantly to the title chase, providing seven goals and two assists in 610 minutes.

Despite the setbacks of the season, Reyna, at the age of 20, is still regarded as one of the brightest under-21 talents in world football. Expectations are high for the young American to see more playing time in the coming season as he continues his development and hopefully staves off injuries.

Reyna's transfer would likely require an enormous sum given his status. Dortmund has a history of grooming players and selling them for substantial fees, like when they sold Christian Pulisic to Chelsea for more than $70 million in 2019. However, given the tumult that enveloped Reyna after the World Cup, this summer might not be the best time to maximize his value. Additionally, his role as a substitute in the latter part of the season does not augur well for his potential transfer value. All of these factors might point to Reyna staying put in Dortmund for at least another season.

Josh Sargent

Josh Sargent's season with Norwich City may not have been a memorable one for the team, but it proved to be an important step in his development as a player. At 23, Sargent set personal bests in goals scored (13) and minutes played in the league (3,158). Importantly, he got the opportunity to spend more time playing as a center forward, which was vital for his career progression. With Teemu Pukki leaving the club this summer, Sargent will likely get more opportunities to play in his preferred position next season.

Sargent seems to be content at Norwich and is not expected to leave this summer, despite interest from Germany. Norwich invested around $11 million in him and have him under contract until 2025. This means that he would not be available cheaply and Bundesliga clubs may find it challenging to match his salary.

Although Norwich, having been relegated from the Premier League, were expected to be one of the stronger teams in the Championship, they ended up finishing 13th. The club will be aiming for promotion in the upcoming season, and Sargent's contributions will undoubtedly be key to achieving this goal.

Matt Turner

Matt Turner's move to Arsenal last season was a significant step in his career, but his role as the club's second-choice goalkeeper means his playing time has been limited. The 28-year-old made seven appearances for Arsenal in the past season, five in the Europa League and two in the FA Cup. However, he has yet to make his Premier League debut due to the excellent form of the club's first-choice goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale.

Although Turner would undoubtedly prefer to be playing regularly, a move away from Arsenal this summer is considered unlikely. He only joined Arsenal from the New England Revolution at the beginning of the season and is still adjusting to life in the English top flight.

Looking forward to next season, Turner's situation at Arsenal is unlikely to change significantly. Ramsdale is firmly established as the club's number one goalkeeper, and Turner is expected to continue as his deputy, playing primarily in cup matches unless Ramsdale suffers an injury.

Additionally, with Arsenal qualifying for the Champions League next season, there will be no Europa League matches for Turner to get additional playing time. Nonetheless, being part of a Champions League squad will offer Turner invaluable experience and may present opportunities for him to play should Arsenal decide to rotate their squad during the competition.

---