Landon Donovan has been regarded the best USA outfield player in the last few years. He’s the all-time leading goalscorer for the national team and has been one of the top players in MLS for several years. While there are many who criticize Donovan, there’s no denying that he has the ability to play in one of the top leagues in Europe. The question is will he make a move to a European club in the winter transfer window. Here’s a look at that question and some of the possible outcomes.
Donovan stays in MLS
This is the safest move for the American and he’s proven that he can be one of the best players in MLS. He can continue to help the league grow and play a major role in the national team (wouldn’t have to travel across the globe if he was in Europe). The Galaxy are a high profile club and with Beckham he could be part of a team that has the potential to win many championships.
The obvious downside is that Donovan will not reach his potential playing in an average league like MLS. Many believe Donovan’s growth as a player will be stunted playing in MLS where he wouldn’t face the competition of the top European leagues.
Donovan leaves for Europe
Many are hoping that Landon makes a move to Europe as he’s proven he has the ability to play at a high level. He still might hesitant to go after his unsuccessful attempts in Germany but he’s a different player now. The key for Donovan this time is to find the right club that will be the right fit. The lessons of Jozy Altidore and Freddy Adu show that tranferring to a high profile club is not always the best idea. Donovan needs to join a club where he will get playing time and a chance to prove himself.
His loan with Bayern Munich last winter was not really a success or failure. The asking price of MLS was never going to be met by Bayern who had no room for Donovan on their roster. There is much more risk for Donovan going to Europe but the payoff is higher. In the right situation, he can showcase his talents and fully develop as a player. Players such as Carlos Bocanegra and Clint Dempsey have moved from MLS to Europe and flourished. There’s no reason Donovan couldn’t do the same.
What will ultimately happen?
It’s really up to Donovan who has to make the decision if he wants to move to Europe. Several clubs have expressed interest, including some from Ligue 1 and La Liga. With the World Cup next summer, a move to a top European league would help Donovan’s form. If the LA Galaxy win the MLS Cup, then there’s really no reason why Donovan should stay in the league. He’s accomplished just about everything in MLS and it’s time for him to play against the best competition in the world. This in Europe where he will be tested and have to fight every week for playing time.
If I had to bet on it, I’d say he makes the move this winter but its anyone’s guess where. La Liga would probably be the best fit but there should be offers from Ligue 1 and EPL clubs. There will be offers and I think Landon Donovan will want to finally prove he can make it in Europe.
Unfortunately, it’s not Donovan’s decision to make. The league still has 2 years on his contract and I don’t see them letting him go this early unless a club is willing to offer a transfer fee north of $10million. In the current economic climate, I just don’t see a club offering up that kind of money, so I think what will happen is they’ll keep Donovan for the 2010 season (shortened by his World Cup time), then offer him a big money contract to stay in MLS, and if he declines the contract, they’ll then look at offers to get what they can before he becomes a free agent and they don’t get anything.
This is a story? Have to be honest, reading this was a waste of time. No news here. Not even an opinion. C’mon, on guys can do better.
I think Landon is ready to return to Europe. He will be successful on the right team in the right league. Is it possible that he could go on loan to a European club?…similar to the way Beckham does.
A BIG CLUB OF MEXICO (AMERICA) IS TRYING TO SIGN HIS UP FOR THE NEXT SEASON. I THINK THAT WILL BE BETTER FOR HIM BECAUSE THE MLS IS A BAD LEAGUE