In the World Cup this year, Jermaine Jones performed with incredible toughness and strength. His gritty defense and ability to create chances for other players made him an indispensable piece of the team’s starting 11. Since the World Cup, Jones has hinted – via Instagram and through interviews – of a possible move to the MLS.
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Jones’ performances show that he can be a lock-down defensive midfielder in the MLS, and can contribute to basically any team willing to sign him. Unfortunately for some clubs, Jones will not come cheap. In an interview with Fox Sports, he made it clear that it’s up to the MLS to bring him to America.
In his career overseas, Jones played for several German clubs in the Bundesliga and had a brief loan stint in the EPL with the Blackburn Rovers before they were relegated. His leadership and experience could pay dividends for younger MLS clubs.
Certain teams are more attractive to Jones than others. He wants to compete, and he wants a good salary. Given these caveats, here’s a list of clubs that might sign Jones.
Chivas USA
The LA-based club could certainly use a player like Jones. As of week 19, the Goats are the league’s hottest team with multiple standout performances from Erick Torres and company. Chivas has the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs, and just secured a deal with Guadalajara to extend Cubo’s loan through 2014, with an option to buy at the end. Adding Jones into the mix would bring more star power to Chivas, which competes with the Galaxy for the LA market. The only question is whether they could support a big contract for Torres and Jones.
Jul 12, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Chivas USA forward Erick Torres (9) celebrates a goal against Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper David Ousted (1) (not pictured) during the second half at BC Place. Chivas USA won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Sounders
The Sounders’ attack this season has been near unstoppable at times. With Clint Dempsey and Obefami Martins, the club has legitimate scoring threats who take pressure off the defense. One of the upcoming challenges for the Sounders is whether DeAndre Yedlin will choose to stay in Seattle or go play in Europe for one of the many clubs bidding at a transfer. If Seattle loses Yedlin, signing Jones to revamp the defensive core would make sense. His strength at the midfield could also give the Sounders a better ability to possess the ball and lead the attack.
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Sporting Kansas City
In Brazil, midfielders Graham Zusi and Jermaine Jones proved they can play well together. The chemistry between them improved the USA’s overall quality of play and created many scoring chances for the attack. Given their success, it’s clear that Jones would fit well into KC’s system. The USA’s defense was also outstanding throughout the tournament, thanks to another KC star, Matt Besler, and Jones. Given that Besler is eyeing a move towards Europe, signing a proven player like Jones might convince him to stay in Kansas City.
New York Red Bulls
With Thierry Henry still deciding whether he will re-sign after this season, the Red Bulls have to decide how to replace their star forward. Rumors are circulating that NY will sign Spanish superstar Xavi, but those have not yet come to fruition. If they do get Xavi, Henry will likely stay. If not, NY will have to start making some moves in the transfer market, making NY a potential spot for Jermaine Jones. In a huge media market like New York, Jones could stay in the spotlight and enjoy the last few years of his career. He could also bolster the Bull’s defense which at times has been shabby. Plus, Henry’s expiring contract would free up plenty of space to sign a star.
LA Galaxy
The Galaxy’s perennial status among the MLS elite and its ability to bring in big name players make the team a series option for Jermaine Jones. Head coach Bruce Arena has a winning track record and is known to build successful teams in the MLS. Veteran stars like Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane provide the experience needed in big games, which would take some pressure of Jones for consistent leadership. The Galaxy continue to build up young talent with players like Gyasi Zardes and Omar Gonzalez.
Out of all the clubs who would benefit from Jones’ service, I predict that he land at Sporting Kansas City. The reuniting of USA national team players would make a great story for the league, and I’m sure that Besler and Zusi will have a great sales pitch for Jones on Kansas City.