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With the summer transfer window in full swing, several US internationals are the subject of reports and speculation ahead of a potentially career-defining season that will also include the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The same World Cup will result in an earlier start of the 2022/23 club season in August and greater urgency for those with uncertain club futures to sort out their situation soon.
USMNT players in the news include Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest, among others. Other youngsters like Gabriel Slonina are being hunted down by top clubs even before they’re ready to play for the senior team.
With the transfer window only officially opening in June, some deals have already been struck with Americans, with Matt Turner and Brenden Aaronson completing moves to new English Premier League clubs.
MORE: Updated USMNT injury news in Summer 2022
USMNT player transfers in summer 2022 window
Below is a list of American players who have either officially signed deals with new clubs or signed new deals with their current clubs during this transfer window.
Closed Deals
| date | player | Former club | New club | fee | Contract until |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 11, 2022 | Matt Turner | NE revolution | arsenal | $6 million | June 2025 |
| May 26, 2022 | Brenden Aaronson | RB Salzburg | LeedsUnited | 36 million dollars | June 2027 |
| June 10, 2022 | Cameron Carter-Vickers | Tottenham | Celtic* | $7.4M | June 2026 |
*celtic mGoodbye Cameron Carter-Vickers loan deal permanently
Newly signed contracts
| date | player | association | Contract until |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2022 | Tim Riem | Fulham | June 2023 |
| May 31, 2022 | Mix Diskerud | Omonia Nicosia | May 31, 2024 |
MORE: Projection of the USMNT roster and starting lineup for the 2022 World Cup
Will Christian Pulisic leave Chelsea?
There is massive speculation that Christian Pulisic could leave Stamford Bridge this summer as his current Chelsea deal has two years left and minutes have dwindled under Thomas Tuchel last season.
The USMNT star has spent three seasons with the Blues, winning the Champions League title and the FIFA Club World Cup. But last season, Thomas Tuchel’s tactical preferences sidelined Pulisic, clocking just 2,207 minutes in all competitions, a low for Pulisic at Chelsea. He was often used out of position, playing as a central striker or full-back to fit in with Tuchel’s tactical setup.
UPDATE (June 6): According to the picture reporter Christian Falk, Liverpool are indeed eyeing Pulisic as a possible replacement for Sadio Mane. Pulisic is a former Borussia Dortmund player and while he hasn’t played under Jurgen Klopp in Germany, the two would certainly have a connection. Italian publication Corriere dello Sport stated in their print edition and captured here that Liverpool were told the Reds would be successful with a bid of €60m ($64m/£51.5m).
UPDATE (June 8): According to a report by French publication Le10Sport, Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, without a contract, has accepted Chelsea’s proposal and will join Stamford Bridge next season.
The 25-year-old, who like Pulisic played under Thomas Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund, was one of Barcelona’s best players in the second half of last season and was able to give a jolt to a Chelsea attack that stuttered at times throughout the season. His presence could also have a massive impact on Pulisic’s standing at Chelsea.
According to a plethora of reports in spring and early summer, Dembele’s contract demands were high, which proved to be a challenge for financially troubled Barcelona. If Chelsea paid to land Dembele, the Blues could look to forfeit wages elsewhere. Given the club already has a wealth of attacking talent, the likes of Pulisic, Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku could be set to leave to even the books, especially as the club also need to sign defenders.
Weston McKennie in the Premier League?
With his 2021/22 season at Juventus cut short by an ankle injury, Weston McKennie could potentially be bought by the Italian club, who are keen to pursue a rebuild after missing every trophy last season.
McKennie has become an everyday starter for Serie A title contenders and the 23-year-old has three years left on contract at Juventus, so it would be difficult for a team to ditch him. However, with Paul Pogba potentially on his way back to Juventus, McKennie could lose his place in the starting line-up and compete with Manuel Locatelli for a spot alongside Pogba.
UPDATE (May 29): According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, McKennie could be extradited if Pogba arrived in Turin. Tottenham, led by sporting director Fabio Paratici who brought McKennie to Juventus, are apparently watching the situation, with Antonio Conte identifying McKennie as a Premier League-suited player.
Gabriel Slonina wanted by Real Madrid, Chelsea
Chicago Fire goaltender Gabriel Slonina, just 17, is a wanted man according to a spate of reports across Europe in recent weeks. Slonina was even pursued at international level as the USMNT repelled an attempt by Poland to woo the young goalkeeper. Slonina doesn’t have an official appearance for the United States senior team but looks set to feature heavily in the mix in the future.
It turned out that Spanish giants and Champions League holders Real Madrid were among the contenders at club level. But according to MLSsoccer.com reporter Tom Bogert, Chicago Fire turned down an initial offer from Real Madrid for Slonina, despite his agent saying it is “Gabriel’s dream” to join the club.
UPDATE (June 11): With talks with Real Madrid stalled, Chelsea appear to be getting involved in the bidding war, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Important hours before the transfer of Gabriel Slonina. Real Madrid turned down an official offer from the Chicago Fire last week – but Chelsea are also in talks to sign him after a very tight last February 🚨🇺🇸 #CFC
Decision to be made soon – will be one of MLS record transfers. pic.twitter.com/yrAYjITU6T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2022
MORE: Who is “Gaga” Slonina? Teen goalkeeper rejects Poland for USMNT
Should Sergino Dest be bought by Barcelona?
With Barcelona struggling financially, the La Liga side may need to sell players to fund any inbound transfers they want this summer. American full-back Sergino Dest, who struggled with injuries to make 21 league appearances in 2021/22, could be one of the players to give way to other signings.
Still just 21 and with three years left on his contract at Barcelona, ​​the club could make a pretty penny from Dest’s departure and still take over the right-back position next year should veteran Dani Alves return. While Dest has improved his defensive acumen during his time at Barcelona, ​​his strength still lies in the attacking third and he could fit well in the full-back role in a team with such a tactical line-up.
UPDATE (May 21): According to Spanish publication Marca, Dest is apparently in the window for a price tag of 25 million euros ($26.5 million). While links with other clubs have yet to materialize, previous links with Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Roma could resurface.
Chris Richards is being chased by Crystal Palace
Injuries have plagued Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards for much of his loan spell at Hoffenheim and he is returning to his parents’ club to seek a fresh start. He has served well at the Bundesliga club on loan but whether he has elevated his standing at Bayern enough to get a taste of the first team remains to be seen.
Despite Niklas Sule’s departure to Borussia Dortmund, it will be difficult for the 22-year-old Alabama product to find its way into Bayern Munich’s day-to-day rotation. With three years remaining on his contract at Bayern Munich, that could mean a new landing spot this summer.
UPDATE (May 30): According to the Daily Telegraph, Richards is being monitored by Premier League club Crystal Palace. While there’s no mention of a permanent fee or loan deal, expect more noise as June turns into July.
John Brooks is looking for a new club
While John Brooks has so far been left out of the US national team under Gregg Berhalter, his club future is also in doubt.
The former Wolfsburg defender is out of contract this summer and has stated that he will not return to the German club. Brooks played poorly in the first half of the 2021/22 season as Wolfsburg battled relegation and were eliminated in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. But he turned things around in the second half to help the club successfully stave off the crash.
UPDATE (June 8): According to the German publication Kicker (as shared by Bundesliga commentator Derek Rae), Brooks has been in contact with Hoffenheim with a view to possibly signing with the club. Hoffenheim finished ninth in the Bundesliga last season but had massive defensive problems and conceded 60 goals, the third-most in the German top flight.