Jul 22
Landon Donovan’s Last Season in MLS?
We all knew that Landon Donovan was interested in a move to Europe. Now, we know he is ready to get out of LA, specifically to England. There was a report on Sky Sports saying that Donovan would welcome a move to England. Here’s what Donovan said.
“The older I get and the more I play, the more I’m yearning for that highest level I can play at. I think the Premiership would be the best place to play.”
When contacted, Donovan’s agent, Richard Motzkin said “Yes, [Donovan has expressed to a desire to play in the Premier League,]“
When asked whether or not Donovan would join for the upcoming European season, prior to the end of the current MLS season. “Sure” but only ”ones that play entertaining, attacking and technical soccer.”
Donovan is as good as gone, but my bet is it won’t be until the end of the season. LA wants a championship, and they realize he is a integral part of their chances. However, this certainly figures to be the last season that Donovan plays before he goes to Europe.
What do you think of Donovan finally wanting to play in Europe? Which teams should he play for? How much would his transfer fee be? All your thoughts go below.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I’d say he’s probably valued at about $10-$12M, but I’m not sure of his current contract; if it’s nearing it’s end then the value will obviously be lower. I find it interesting that LD wants to play in the EPL. I think he would be a much better fit in La Liga and he’s fluent in Spanish. That being said, Donovan surely has the class to be successful in Europe and with his wife at his side hopefully he’ll be happy enough to do wel.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Donovan should bring in a considerable fee. I don’t believe he’s near the end of his contract. I agree, Italy or Spain would be suited to his style but maybe he would get a little tougher if he moves to England.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Hopefully his skin got a thicker as well because he certainly couldn’t handle the negative feedback in Germany and a move to England would be far worse in that sense.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Yeah but I think he’s much more confident. He was very young and he got destroyed by the media. One of the reasons he didn’t go back for so long is because he didn’t want to have to deal with the media. If he’s ready to go back then he has gotten over the media and is ready to play.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
He is certainly playing this year with a swagger that I’ve never seen from him before. I think since people there may have lower expectations for him I don’t forsee it being an issue this go round.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
His confidence is at an all time high and he has the physical skills to be dangerous, eg. speed, striking abilities, positioning. It’s all there, it’s the mental stuff that irked him last time and he’s over that. I hope he just plays so he doesn’t get down on himself.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
His ability to play in both the midfield and up to should certainly help his cause. I’d say at the very least he’d be the first player off the bench on most EPL squads outside of the big four.
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
potential suitors are aston, liverpool, and tottenham, id say if deco only was transfered for 7m then donovan will be about 6.5 euros
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Deco was a bargain because he wasn’t wanted at his current club and everybody knew. Donovan could be about 6.5, that’s not unreasonable. Donovan will be more expensive just because LA would be glad to keep him.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 am
I’ve heard that Aston Villa was looking at signing three Americans… Brad Guzan, Micheal Bradley, and Landon Donovan, but thats the only team I’ve heard listed. I’d love for him to go to Liverpool, if he actually gets to play that is.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 am
You can add Brad Friedel to that list as well.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:30 am
This is just pure speculation but I’m going to go out on a limb and say he’ll end up at Tottenham. It’s an attacking side and he’ll probably want to be in London. That’s just a guess but it sounds correct.
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
sounds like pretty solid reasoning. I can’t believe a guy who’s such a sucker for the Cali sunshine wants to move to England though? I would think he’d jump at a chance for Spain…