Transfer Rumors: Aron Johannsson ready to part ways with Werder Bremen

The USMNT striker is looking to move on from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. Having been previously linked with a move to MLS, could he head stateside?

The summer transfer window is about to close on Wednesday, but new rumors are still popping up and there could be a flurry of move over the next 48 hours. On Sunday night, news broke that USMNT forward, Aron Johannsson could be the move. 

The 26-year-old forward has been in Germany since 2015, arriving after two strong seasons in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar. His time with Werder Bremen has been marred with injuries. Johannsson is under contract with Bremen until 2019, but doesn’t seem to be in the club’s immediate plans. It seems best for both parties if they part ways.

Johannsson has mentioned in the past that he would like to play in Major League Soccer while he can still play at a high level, and he was linked with a move to the States before ending up in Germany, most notably with Real Salt Lake.

A Potential MLS Move?

Johannsson will likely have several options available to him, despite struggling to break into the Werder Bremen lineup. A move to Real Salt Lake could still be in the cards. RSL have struggled to finish their chances this season, having only scored 30 goals this season despite only being behind NYCFC in shots on target. Designated Player Yura Movsisyan has struggled to find the back of the net, and MLS veteran Luis Silva has had the starting job over the last few weeks. Johannsson would be a welcomed addition, but RSL would have to clear a spot for him, as he would most likely count as a Designated Player with his salary demands.

Real has been involved with rumors surrounding designated players Joao Plata and Movsisyan. Plata is linked with a Liga MX move, most likely happening this offseason, while Movsisyan has been in inner-league trade discussions along with a loan move abroad. A loan deal seems the most likely avenue to facilitate a Johannsson move, but we’ll see if it happens in the limited window.

Sporting Kansas City could be the most likely landing spot for The Iceman. Sporting recently sold Dom Dwyer to Orlando City in a record deal. The Dwyer move opens up a spot in the starting XI at the forward position and provides the assets necessary to bring in a player of Johannsson’s caliber. SKC already have plethora of USMNT hopefuls and regulars on the roster, and Johannsson’s playing style and blue-collar work ethic would fit in well with Peter Vermes’ system.

Next: Grading The MLS Summer Transfers

Johannsson would likely be a game changer in MLS. A move to his birth country could help him get his name back in the discussion for the USMNT as the 2018 World Cup is just around the corner. A last-minute move will definitely be something to look out for.