To the dismay of many Seattle Sounders fans, the DeAndre Yedlin bidding war is getting more intense. He’s been linked to big name clubs like Liverpool and Inter Milan, as well as other organizations throughout European soccer. Reports even show that the transfer may cost seven million, a number coming close to the record set by Jozy Altidore and Villareal in 2008.
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The price for Yedlin’s services was originally $2.5 million, but the high amount of interest in the young CB gave the Sounders reason to raise the fee up to $6.5 million. The club hasn’t gotten an offer matching their desired number, but they did get a proposal from AS Roma that would’ve sent Yedlin to Italy for $4.1 million. Those negotiations fell through, putting Yedlin back on the market. He’s tried to ignore the transfer rumors though, saying “The main thing for me right now is focusing on Seattle.”
The young star must consider where he will get playing time, a good salary, and a flexible contract. Here’s an MLS Multiplex ranking of how well Yedlin will fit with the clubs attempting to employ him.
Jun 22, 2014; Manaus, Amazonas, BRAZIL; USA defender DeAndre Yedlin in the second half against Portugal during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Amazonia. The game ended in a 2-2 draw. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
6) RSC Anderlecht
The best team in Belgium is the least likely to sign the defender due to the league they play in. I’m not saying that the Jupiler Pro Leage isn’t competitive, but the standards are different when considering top teams the EPL and Serie A. Yedlin has interest from clubs where he has a chance to play against the best in the world. Though the level of competition isn’t as high, Yedlin would likely get a opportunities to play immediately. Given the major minutes he has logged this season for the Sounders and Team USA, it’s likely that the defender will want to play somewhere he can contribute right of the bat.
“The main thing for me right now is focusing on Seattle”-Deandre Yedlin
5) Genoa CFC
Genoa finished 14th in Serie A last year, just four spots ahead of relegation. It’s unlikely that Yedlin would want to start his European career with a club that is consistently at the bottom of the table. On the other hand, Genoa is somewhat light on defense meaning that the Sounders’ defender would likely get many opportunities from the start. The playing time aside, I don’t see Yedlin signing a contract with a team in Serie A other than AS Roma or Inter Milan.
4) Olympique Lyonnais
Lyon is always a contender in Ligue 1, France’s highest soccer division. They could use a young player like Yedlin to revamp the defense for next season. The club plays against some great competition like PSG and AS Monaco, giving Yedlin the opportunities he deserves against Europe’s elite. Whether or not Yeldin will be able to make an immediate impact is unclear. Lyon finished fifth in Ligue 1 and were promoted to the 2014-15 UEFA Europa Third Qualifying Round., which was a good result overall. Signing a young player of Yedlin’s caliber would help them to continue their growth.
Inter Heron
3) AS Roma
AS Roma made the original offer for Yeldin totaling $4.1 Million, but the deal reportedly went south when the Sounders asked for more money. Many fans and experts thought that Yedlin was set to go to Italy. Whether or not Roma will decide to make another offer remains to be seen. They clearly recognize Yeldin’s potential as a defensive rock and leader. They finished second in Serie A last year thanks to another great season from Francesco Totti and the tactics of new manager Rudi Garcia. They registered impressive wins against Inter Milan and Lazio, and it’s safe to say the club is currently heading in the right direction. If the first deal hadn’t failed, Roma would be at the top of the list.
2) Liverpool FC
Liverpool is attempting to improve its already strong roster this off-season, and wants to continue their success in the Premier League next year. Their defense is strong already, meaning that Yedlin may not get playing time off the bat. Most likely his role at Liverpool will similar to his role on Team USA… coming on in close situations to lock-down the other team’s star. I doubt that Liverpool would add him to their second team, but you can’t rule out the possibility as they may see Yeldin as too raw a talent for the active roster.
1) Inter Milan
Jun 16, 2014; Natal, BRAZIL; USA defender DeAndre Yedlin against Ghana during the 2014 World Cup at Estadio das Dunas. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Internazionale, Nerazzurri, Milan. As of 2014, Inter remains to be one of the most popular teams in Europe. Their brand extends outside of Italy and throughout the world. For a young player like Yedlin, Inter is a great place to grow and flourish as a soccer player. Last season Inter finished 5th in Serie A, a disappointing result for such a prestigious team. Acquiring a player like Yedlin will give Inter more defensive options, which may mean that Yedlin will make an immediate impact for the black and blues.
Wherever Yedlin decides to go, his heart, determination, and leadership will quickly make him a fan favorite and star. Hopefully he will finish out the MLS season the right way, and take the Sounders to the Cup.