There was a time, not long ago, when the winter transfer window seemingly bypassed American players. Major League Soccer was not a big player in terms of the transfer market (especially outbound transfers) and the market for American players already abroad was virtually non-existent.
But in recent years, American players and MLS clubs have been more active participants. The trend appears to have reached a crescendo over the past 12 months. According to ESPN Stats & Information, excluding transfers between MLS clubs or transfers between MLS teams and other US-based clubs, there were 28 transfers involving US players and at least one non-US team (including Mexico) in this winter transfer window. In reality, that number is lower than the summer, when the mark was 44.
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With this summer's Copa America on the horizon, these moves have taken on added importance, at least as far as American players are concerned. So here's a look at the deals (as well as a free transfer or two) for the once-and-maybe-future American players who caught the most attention. Please note that the attached rating relates to the player, not the clubs involved in the deal.
In terms of a possible move, no player on the United States men's national team came under more scrutiny than Reyna. If the US attack is going to improve in this World Cup cycle, it is vital that Reyna gets minutes. He wasn't going to find them at Borussia Dortmund, where recurring injury problems caused the likes of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Donyell Malen to leapfrog him on the depth chart; As a consequence, his playing time was reduced to just 361 minutes in all competitions during the first half of the season.
As such, the move to Forest should satisfy Reyna's need for more playing time. The fact that Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo and Reyna share the same agent (Jorge Mendes) should ensure the player gets plenty of opportunities.
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Where would Gio Reyna fit into the Nottingham Forest lineup?
Gab & Juls talk about Gio Reyna's move from the USMNT to Nottingham Forest and how he might fit into the team.
But it doesn't take much for loans to go bad. With Forest aiming to avoid relegation and no option to buy a contract on the table, there is always the possibility that Nuno decides to look elsewhere for survival. But Forest need more attacking strength given they are second-to-bottom in the league in chance creation, and Reyna could provide a significant boost in that area.
A knee injury ended Steffen's second European adventure, although his error in the 2022 FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool also damaged his position at City; Not even a successful loan spell with Middlesbrough could change things. So now Steffen, eager to try to reestablish himself on the US national team, heads to Colorado.
Overall, it's a move that should give him the stable playing time he's looking for. Barring another injury or a major drop in form, he should be a guaranteed starter and with the Rapids' rebuild taking shape (attacking midfielder Djordje Mihailovic and Lamine Diack, among others, also arriving) there is a chance that an improved team could give a boost to Steffen's international prospects.
Ethan Horvath, goalkeeper, Nottingham Forest v Cardiff City
Grade: A+
Let's be honest. Horvath's position with Forest, where he was excluded from the first team for the first half of the season, had fallen so low that a move to Antarctica's third division would have been an improvement. Therefore, a move to Cardiff City ticks all the boxes.
Horvath will have the opportunity to fight for the starting job, although he will have to displace Jak Alnwick. Perhaps most importantly, Horvath has proven his worth in the English Championship, having supported Luton Town during their promotion campaign last season. That can go a long way toward gaining the trust of coach Erol Bulut and ultimately getting playing time.
This move went a little under the radar, but Cardoso certainly improved his situation, taking advantage of his consistency in Brazil's Serie A to earn a place with LaLiga side Real Betis. Since he made the move, Cardoso has already proven valuable to The Green and Whitestarter in Betis' last three games in the center of the field.
Will it be enough to crack the USMNT lineup? Tyler Adams' continued absence provides an opening of sorts, although Reyna's improved finishing position will also have an impact. At the very least, Cardoso's play and his continued solid performances give him a chance.
Robinson has explained his reasons for moving to MLS rather than heading to Europe, the most important being that the money would not necessarily have been better. Furthermore, he has signed only a one-year deal plus an option, suggesting there is still time for an eventual jump across the Atlantic.
That being said, now seemed like the right time to take the leap. Robinson, who will turn 27 in March, was a free agent, which naturally reduces acquisition costs for potential suitors. It's early enough in the World Cup cycle where if a move doesn't work, there would still be time to change things. So this definitely feels like a lateral move.
For FC Cincinnati, acquiring Robinson was a no-brainer as they now have two imposing central defenders in Robinson and Matt Miazga. We'll see how long they can keep the former.
Brandon Vásquez, forward, FC Cincinnati to CF Monterrey
Grade A
If there was any doubt about how quickly Vasquez could adapt The RayadosIt's fair to say they have faded pretty quickly, with the former Cincinnati forward scoring three goals in his first four appearances.
Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi still appear to be above Vásquez on the US forward roster, but if the Monterrey striker can continue scoring goals, it will ensure that USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter doesn't forget about him anytime soon. term.
The move to Liga MX was something that had to be done, as Cowell's declining production in MLS meant his window of opportunity to move abroad was rapidly closing.
Now that he managed to get out, Cowell will find himself in the fishbowl of playing for one of the biggest clubs in Mexico, where the pressure will increase as will the expectations. The fact that he was born in the United States, although also with some Mexican heritage, could mean a brief honeymoon period, hence the slightly lower rating. If Cowell can handle that kind of pressure, he'll go from phenom to reliable collaborator.
Cowell broke through with his first goals for the club in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Forge FC of the Canadian Premier League, but this type of end product needs to be displayed consistently.
Djordje Mihailovic, MF, AZ Alkmaar to Colorado Rapids
Grade B
Yes, it would have been nice if Mihailovic could have lasted a little longer in Europe. He was only in Holland for about a year and did not do well, as he totaled zero goals and only 503 minutes in 17 appearances. But Mihailovic has some freedom given that an undisclosed family problem also hastened his return to the United States.
He will undoubtedly be one of Colorado's most important players, and the club record transfer fee of $3 million is proof of that.
Sam Vines, DF, Royal Antwerp transfers to Colorado Rapids
Grade B
By now, the Rapids' transfer approach should be obvious; bringing back almost all current or former US internationals playing abroad who are looking for regular playing time and a ticket home.
Vines suffered an injury and an administrative error (an administrative error left the defender out of Antwerp's squad for the Champions League group stage) during his time in Belgium, where he made just eight appearances in all competitions, with a total of 363 minutes. He will be much more active than that in Colorado, where he is expected to lock down the left side of Colorado's defense.
The logic used with Reyna's loan also applies here. Aaronson needs minutes, but the fact that Vitesse are tied for last in the Eredivisie makes one wonder how much playing time coach Edward Sturing will give the American. That said, Vitesse have scored just 13 goals this season in 20 league games, and Aaronson could boost the club's attack.
While participating in the America's Cup appears to be out of reach for Aaronson at the moment, participating in the Olympics is very possible, meaning he will need to make the most of this opportunity.
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Herc Gomez reveals his top 3 signings of the MLS offseason so far
Hérculez Gómez analyzes the top 3 transfer signings of the MLS offseason on Futbol Americas.
This move was not yet official as of this writing, but sources told ESPN colleague Kyle Bonagura that Acosta will sign with the Fire as a free agent. At 28, Acosta is still on the national team, although his place is under pressure from players like Cardoso and Lennard Maloney. That was also the case for LAFC, where competition for playing time and nagging injuries limited him to 18 starts, his fewest since 2014 outside of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Acosta expects to see a lot of field if he can stay healthy, and will be an important player for a team trying to establish a winning identity.
