Summer has brought significant moves for USMNT players. We analyze the most relevant signings, evaluating their impact on the players’ careers and the future of the US national team.Johnny Cardoso, 23 years old, midfielder.
Real Betis to Atletico Madrid, €24 millionRating: AImpact on the Player: Surprisingly, this transfer has gone somewhat unnoticed. Atlético de Madrid is one of the best teams in the world, with a renowned coach like Diego Simeone. Cardoso, at 23 years old, joins a competitive team in one of the most demanding leagues in the world, with the expectation of being a starter. So far, he has proven to be consistent and is expected to continue pushing his athletic ability to the highest level.Impact for the USMNT: Although he was called up for the Gold Cup, Cardoso had little participation. However, his presence at Atlético de Madrid could be crucial, as Pochettino might be forced to consider him, given his regular participation in a team of such magnitude.
Malik Tillman, 23 years old, attacking midfielder
PSV to Bayer Leverkusen, €35 millionRating: BImpact on the Player: This transfer seems very appropriate. Although he didn’t always get many minutes at PSV, Tillman was very productive when he played, being a key player in the club’s consecutive titles. The Bundesliga is an environment similar to the Eredivisie in terms of playing style, and Leverkusen is a high-level team. However, uncertainty has increased with the dismissal of coach Erik ten Hag.Impact for the USMNT: There is a possibility that Tillman may not get many minutes, which would be an indication of his level. If he doesn’t play, this could reveal more about his quality as a player.Yunus Musah, 22 years old, midfielder
Milan to Atalanta, €4 million (loan)Grade: B-Impact on the Player: The situation at Milan was unstable, with coaching changes and various signings. Leaving Milan will likely be beneficial. Atalanta, although with changes in the coaching staff, is a team with an experimental and offensive mentality, which could give Musah many opportunities. The option to buy permanently is an incentive for Atalanta to give him playing time.Impact for the USMNT: The situation at Milan was unstable, and Atalanta is likely to offer him a better environment for his development. If he achieves an outstanding season, it is more likely to happen in Bergamo.Timothy Weah, 25 years old, winger
Juventus to Marseille, loan, €1 millionRating: CImpact on the Player: Although he is descending in league and team quality, he is expected to play more and in his preferred position. At Juventus, Weah was not a consistent starter. Marseille could give him the opportunity to prove his worth in an important league. However, the atmosphere in the club seems to be toxic, with internal conflicts and controversies.Impact for the USMNT: It’s positive that Weah can get more minutes, and in his natural position, at a Champions League club.
Paxten Aaronson, 21 years old, attacking midfielder
Eintracht Frankfurt to Colorado Rapids, €7 millionRating: CImpact for the Player: He will get more minutes and an improved salary in MLS. If he stands out in MLS, European teams will remain interested. If not, perhaps he wasn’t destined to succeed in Europe.Impact for the USMNT: This move doesn’t seem to significantly change his situation in the national team, especially considering the presence of other young Americans in Europe.
Giovanni Reyna, 22 years old, attacking midfielder
Borussia Dortmund to Borussia Monchengladbach, €4 millionGrade: B-Impact on the Player: If we evaluate it in a broader context, the grade would be closer to an “F”. Reyna, who promised much, is now looking to relaunch his career. He needed a place where he could play regularly, and Gladbach meets that requirement. It’s an opportunity to revive his career.Impact for the USMNT: It’s positive. If he plays this season, he will be in the selection and will probably be a starter next summer. If not, who knows when we will see him again with the United States jersey.
Patrick Agyemang, 24 years old, forward
Charlotte FC to Derby County, €6.9 millionGrade: B-Impact on the Player: He will have the opportunity to compete in a relegation battle in the Championship, although he is currently injured. He will receive a better salary and be tested at a higher level. However, Derby is not a stable environment.Impact on USMNT: The injury creates uncertainty. If he had stayed in MLS, he would have had more opportunities to play and be considered for the World Cup.
Matt Turner, 31 years old, goalkeeper
Lyon to New England Revolution, loanGrade: C+Impact on the Player: This likely marks the end of his career in Europe. After establishing himself as the best goalkeeper in MLS history, he only played 17 matches in three seasons in England. Turner is back in MLS, and has already played more league matches with the Revolution than he played in the last year and a half.Impact for the USMNT: We’ll see if Turner remains the best American goalkeeper.
Damion Downs, 21 years old, forward
FC Koln to Southampton, €8 millionRating: BImpact for the Player: Although Downs moves from the first to the second division, he is likely to receive a salary increase at Southampton, a club that gives young players a lot of playing time. He plays for a coach, Will Still, who led Folarin Balogun to a standout season in France.Impact for the USMNT: Southampton is a good place for his long-term development.
