The Gold Cup hangover has now subsided, not by choice but by necessity. Now its time to get back to work for the American players who need to continue to prove themselves, just over a month away from the beginning of World Cup Qualifying.
Many of the young Americans are looking for a transfer over to the top leagues in the world. A few of the Gold Cup Champions are already on the move to Europe, while one of the most promising strikers for the USMNT is shifting leagues. Here are some of the players switching clubs soon.
This was reported several weeks ago but it became official this week. The 19 year old Sporting Kansas City homegrown player, is on his way to recently promoted Venezia FC in the Italian Serie A. While Busio had been linked to larger clubs in Italy such as AC Milan and Fiorentina, the move to Venezia FC is a better fit as it will be easier for him to get playing time. As a result of this deal, Sporting Kansas City will receive $6 million up front which could eventually rise to $11 million based on future incentives and clauses, according to reports. A massive haul for the 2 time MLS Cup Champions. He'll be moving there alongside fellow MLS'er Tanner Tessmann who is arriving from FC Dallas. Busio did have his struggles with the national team at the Gold Cup, but there's no doubting his quality. He's shown his talent throughout his time in MLS recording 8 goals and 8 assists in 61 appearances from the midfield for SKC, and he's proven to be a versatile player that can be deployed at several positions. Also, the Venezia FC jersey is so fresh and if you collect soccer shirts, the Busio-Venezia top is a must buy.
Busio heading to Venezia FC in the Italian Serie A
Another integral player on the Gold Cup winning team, the Colorado Rapids homegrown star Sam Vines is on his way to the Belgian Pro League with Royal Antwerp FC. Vines has quickly moved up the left-back ranks of the American player pool, and is expected to compete for a spot on the World Cup Qualifying squad next month. The reported $2 million dollar move to Antwerp offers him the possibility of playing Europa League soccer this season, and locks him into a 3 year deal with the historic Belgian side. A great opportunity to play in a mid-tier European league will offer him great experience, and should he have success, the chance to eventually transfer to one of the top tier leagues in the continent.
Vines moving from Colorado Rapids to Royal Antwerp FC
The 21 year old was relegated from the Bundesliga last season with Werder Bremen, where he's spent his entire three year career so far. Reports have Sargent heavily linked to a massive move to newly promoted Norwich City of the Premier League. Sargent is seen as having the talent to be the starting striker for the USMNT, and led Bremen last season with 7 goals. He has struggled to score and stay on the pitch at times over the last 2 seasons, but part of that was the system and lack of quality at the German club. Bremen are reportedly looking to earn around 10 million Euros for the young American forward, but no fee has been reported yet in this proposed transfer to England. A move to the Premier League could either be exactly what he needs to take that next step in his career, or it could bury him further down the depth chart in the American player pool. There will be opportunities, as Norwich will be looking to stay up in the Premier League, after rising up from the Championship last season.
Sargent could be on his way to Norwich City
This move was a little more puzzling, mostly because of the destination. The Orlando City striker has signed a pre-contract agreement with Hibernian FC of the Scottish Premier League, and will join the club in the January transfer window, following the end of the MLS season. Mueller has shown his talent, although his inconsistency has been an issue. He did not make the USMNT squad for the Gold Cup, and one can wonder if moving to Scotland is more of a lateral or backwards move. Most young American players dream of playing over in Europe. It gives them a sense of "I made it" which is perfectly understandable. The move to Hibernian could end up being positive, if he impresses clubs in more high profile leagues. But is it the move the 24 year old needs to continue to improve and fight for a spot on the national team in the near future? I'm not so sure.
Mueller will move to Hibernian FC in Scotland in January
Mueller's Orlando City teammate Daryl Dike has been linked to a plethora of clubs over the last 6 months. His talent and size is undeniable, and his success during his loan at Barnsley FC of the English Championship catapulted him onto the radars of some of Europe's top clubs. The 20 year old helped Barnsley compete for Premier League promotion, thanks to his 9 goals in 19 games. We've seen the number "$20 million" being floated around as far as a transfer fee is concerned, which would obviously be a huge haul for Orlando City. There seemed to be so much momentum and interest going into the summer, but talks seemed to have stalled after a poor showing at the Gold Cup. Still, it's not a matter of IF Dike will be heading to Europe, but a matter of when.
When and where will Dike go?
