MLS: Jurgen Damm reward is finding redemption

Jurgen Damm is reportedly coming to MLS this summer as he looks to bounce back from a recent spell of poor form. It is a risky acquisition from any team, but the reward is great, if he can revitalize his stalled career.

It has been a whirlwind last few years for Mexican winger Jurgen Damm. The Tigres player has gone from being linked to Borussia Dortmund to struggling to find playing time with his current Liga MX club.

Now, a move to Major League Soccer appears set to unfold during the summer, and it could be just the medicine he and his career needs.

Damm has long been regarded as one of the fastest players in the world. His incredible pace has been a huge asset at times. There is no question his speed on the pitch was one of the reasons Dortmund were looking into signing him back in 2016, hoping to harness his athletic qualities and teach him the technical and mental aspects of the sport with positive coaching.

However, you need more than speed to be an elite footballer and Damm has since seen his star dim and playing opportunities wither. His career has stalled in recent years as he has struggled to earn minutes at Tigres. He has only made one appearance thus far in the Clausura season and was used primarily as a substitute during the Apertura season. All in all, he has played fewer than 400 minutes across the Clausura and Apertura this season and has not topped 1000 minutes in either since 2015/16.

Moving away from Tigres has been a major possibility for some time, and after his club won the Clausura in 2019, it seemed as though they would be willing to let him leave.

And per Ruben Rodriguez of Fox Deportes, Damm has signed a pre-contract with an unnamed MLS team such that he would make the switch to MLS in the summer once his current deal expires.

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While it is speculation as to who this is, one has to wonder if one of the two Los Angeles clubs are involved. The Los Angeles Galaxy could use Damm’s pace and experience with Tigres to further improve their team as they eye a return to the MLS Cup playoffs, while inner-city rivals LAFC recently acquired an international roster spot from Nashville in the Walker Zimmerman trade which might be a hint at a new addition to be named soon.

In the report from Fox Deportes, it seems Damm has signed for one of the top MLS clubs. Speculation can only occur at this point but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him at a club like the Galaxy who have their eyes on commercial value as well as footballing development — Javier Hernandez, the Mexican hero, is already at the team after his blockbuster move earlier this offseason.

After a difficult several years, Damm has an opportunity to make an impact in a league that might suit his level. His career can be revitalized. He still poses a threat offensively, has shown glimpses of real quality which led to appearances for Mexico’s national team, and boasts that searing pace that all professional teams love in their attack.

Damm can be a major threat for an MLS team. He could also flame out. But the risk is worth the reward, for whoever has made the jump.