The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool
Europe's domestic seasons are now over, and soccer fans know what that means: transfer season is upon us! All eyes are now on big deals and big moves, as the focus has turned towards next season with this one largely over.
Just days into the summer period, several American stars find themselves as part of the ongoing rumor mill. The U.S. men's national team is gearing up for the Gold Cup, but even as those preparations get going, there will be several familiar faces mulling over club decisions that will certainly impact both their immediate and long-term futures.
From young stars looking for a breakout to familiar faces eyeing much-needed moves, all will be facing the same question: What does this mean for the World Cup? That tournament will dictate the market this summer as players battle for spots both in games on the field and with transfers off of it.
GOAL tracks all of the American player movements in the USMNT Transfer Notebook, a recurring feature covering the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWhat next for Reyna?
The rumors are swirling, as expected. It seems Gio Reyna is on the move somewhere, but there are still plenty of questions as to where.
He was left off the USMNT's Gold Cup roster due to Borussia Dortmund's Club World Cup participation, but it doesn't seem particularly likely that Reyna will play a part in that tournament. If he does, it may be for a team other than Dortmund, although that would be a wild turn of events.
According to RTI Esporte, Brazilian side Flamengo are interested in a deal for the American midfielder. The club reportedly sees him as both a valuable addition ahead of the Club World Cup and, just as importantly, a valuable "marketing opportunity" for a club looking to get eyes on the team while it is stateside.
They aren't the only team linked with Reyna, though. Reyna has also been linked with Real Sociedad in a move that would see him take a smaller step down to a good, solid European club.
More links will come, and so, too, will a big decision.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportCampbell linked with loan
Speaking of Borussia Dortmund's Americans…
After making his first-team debut for Dortmund during this past season, Cole Campbell wasn't quite able to break through and hold down a regular role, making six first-team appearances in all competitions. It appears his next step could be a temporary move elsewhere, with Bild reporting that Campbell is a candidate to go out on loan this upcoming season in pursuit of more first-team experience.
What that means for Campbell's Club World Cup hopes remains to be seen. If he is around for the tournament, could Campbell use it as a springboard to get into a better situation or perhaps even impress coach Niko Kovac?
Campbell has a bright future, regardless, although the next step to fulfilling his potential appears like it may come elsewhere.
AFPCardoso to snub Spurs for Atleti?
For the past year or so, Johnny Cardoso has been linked with a number of the world's biggest clubs. Atletico Madrid is the latest one.
According to Marca and ESPN, Atletico Madrid have earmarked the American as their top defensive midfield target. It's a move that would make sense to anyone who has watched Diego Simeone's Atleti teams at any point over the last decade or so.
Complicating things just a little bit is Tottenham's reported priority rights to sign the Real Betis man for a fee of around $33 million. Betis would accept a similar fee from Atleti, according to reports, and Carodso would prefer to join Simeone's side over Tottenham.
Big clubs are swirling and heading into a Gold Cup with a USMNT without both Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah, this seems like a massive summer for Cardoso as he looks to take a leap for both club and country.
GettyFreeman drawing interest in wake of USMNT call-up
Alex Freeman has broken out. Having emerged as a valuable piece at Orlando City, the fullback earned his first USMNT call-up ahead of the Gold Cup, continuing a rapid rise.
That rise could soon bring him overseas, too, if reports out of Europe are too be believed.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Freeman is drawing interest from Europe, headlined by a $2.27 million (€2m) opening offer from Italian side Parma. The Serie A club isn't the only one looking at him either, according to that report, as clubs in the Championship and Premier League are keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old defender.
That makes this Gold Cup all the more important, as it'll be Freeman's best chance to put himself into the shop window. Clubs will be watching to see if the young defender can make waves this summer and, if he can, it seems a European move won't be too far behind.
Freeman is the son of former Packers star Antonio Freeman.