USMNT Transfers: 6 Americans make European moves on deadline day
By Anthony Rotz
Chris Richards to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Another jewel from the FC Dallas academy, it’s been a busy year for the young American. Having joined Bayern Munich in 2018, Richards made his first-team debut this past summer and had his first start earlier this season, registering an assist.
Capable of playing right-back or centre-back, the defender has featured in both roles this season, picking up six Bundesliga and Champions League appearances. Hoffenheim has struggled in defense this season, conceding 34 times, giving them the fourth-worst defense in Bundesliga. Hoffenheim will use Richards as a center-half and will be given plenty of opportunities to play. Hoffenheim does not have an option to buy following the completion of the season-long deal.
Paul Arriola to Swansea City A.F.C
Just over a week after Jordan Morris made his loan move to wales, Swansea City is taking another American abroad, Paul Arriola. After suffering a torn ACL in February, Arriola missed the entire MLS season but has returned to fitness since the seasons. Featuring in USMNT friendlies against El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago, the winger found the back of the net in both.
Arriola is no stranger to playing outside of the United States, making 81 appearances for Liga MX club Tigres. Since joining D.C United in 2017, the 25-year old has featured 69 times, scoring 14 times with a further ten assists. Interestingly, Arriola will most likely fulfill a wingback role in Steve Cooper’s 3-1-4-2 system. Arriola’s short-term loan agreement does not include an option to buy.
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Bryan Reynolds to A.S. Roma
I’d imagine this one has to be awkward for anyone who reported Reynolds was heading to Juventus. It turned out to be another Italian side, Roma, that would pull off a deal for the 19-year old right-back.
Another FC Dallas academy standout makes the list of Americans moving on transfer day. Reynolds impressed in his lone season as a first-team regular, claiming a trio of team awards, including Most Valuable Player. Reynolds heads to Rome on a loan with an obligation to buy this summer for $8.5M.
Tyler Boyd to Sivassapor
A versatile forward, 26-year old Boyd joins another Turkish club, having endured an unusual four months with Besiktas. After starting the first six matches of the season, Boyd was chosen to be left out of the team due to foreign player registration rules.
Since joining Besiktas in 2019, Boyd scored four times and assisted once across 34 matches. With no playing time available at Besiktas, Sivaspoor was a logical move if the player hopes to add onto his ten USMNT caps. This season-long loan will mark an eighth club for the winger and does not include an option to make the move permanent.
DeAndre Yedlin to Galatasaray S.K.
A nightmare spell at Newcastle United has finally come to an end for the 27-year old right back. Expectations were higher than Woody Harelson at a Phish concert for Yedlin following a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014.
England has not been kind to Yedlin, where he has unfortunately been part of more punchlines than productive play. His time at Tottenham would last just a year before he was sent on loan to Sunderland, and then promptly sold to Newcastle United in 2016. Since he arrived at St. James Park, Yedlin has seen his playing time decrease each season.
Hopefully, Yedlin can find the form that made him such a highly-touted prospect during his time in Turkey. Newcastle’s agreement with Galatasaray does not include a transfer fee but features performance-based bonuses and an undisclosed sell-on fee.
Daryl Dike to Barnsley F.C.
Daryl Dike and Zoom have two things in common, that’s that I had no clue they existed two years ago. Dike was selected fifth overall in the 2020 MLS Superdraft following two standout seasons playing at the University of Virginia.
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An imposing striker, Dike and his impressive physical attributes immediately stood out for Orlando City, scoring eight times and picking up two assists in 22 appearances. The 20-year old is now firmly on the list of rising American’s to keep an eye on and recently added an accomplishment, making his USMNT senior debut vs. Trinidad & Tobago. Championship side Barnsley holds a $20M option to buy following the completion of the short-term loan agreement.