Breaking Down Recent USMNT Transfers: Dike, Pepi, Sands and More

James Sands to Rangers F.C.

In New York City, after being crowned kings of Major League Soccer last year after beating the Portland Timbers in penalties, James Sands has decided that he is taking his talents to Glasgow, Scotland where he signed an 18-month loan deal with the Rangers. The deal offers the Rangers an option to purchase should Sands prove to be a valuable part of the team going forward.

With Nathan Patterson leaving for Everton, Sands has an opportunity to solidify himself as a starter for the Rangers, or at least see a lot of minutes. He’ll have to earn it, but the upside is that the Rangers tend to rotate their starting 11, so there’s a good chance of seeing him regularly.

His versatility will also help him gain minutes. Sands reads the game well and can play both midfield and center back. This allows him to occupy spaces at the correct time and place as a defender and also orchestrate a ball progression from the middle third of the pitch as the holding midfielder.

Overall, this is a good move for Sands. And it may even get better if he’s able to prove himself as an essential contributor to the Rangers and convince the team to exercise the option to purchase him permanently. If he’s able to do that, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter may have no choice but to include Sands with his experience and versatile skill set in the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.

Other Transfers Worth Noting

Chris Mueller to Hibernian FC

While on his final year with Orlando City SC, Mueller signed the deal with Hibernian FC in the Scottish Premiership in the summer of 2021 to join the team this month. He recently mentioned that he was inspired by Christian Pulisic to play in Europe, but he’s going to have to show he can be clinical up front and when he gets chances, having only scored 3 goals and providing 6 assists in 31 appearances for Orlando last year.

Jonathan Gomez to Real Sociedad

Out of USL’s Louisville City FC, Gomez signed a contract with Real Sociedad in September of 2021, and is now with his new club. He will likely play for Real Sociedad’s reserve team. Having already made his USMNT debut this last month against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Gomez is only 18 and has plenty of time to grow with his new squad.

Kyle Duncan to Oostende

Fullback Kyle Duncan signed a contract with Belgian Pro League club KV Oostende back in November of 2021 to join the team this month. After failing to get out of the reserves during his time with Valenciennes in Ligue 2, this seems to be his second attempt to get back to Europe and see what he can do. If he’s successful, you might see a call up to the national team.

Caden Clark to RB Leipzig (loan back)

Caden Clark was transferred from the New York Red Bulls to RB Leipzig in the 2021 summer transfer window, and was to remain with New Work until this transfer window. Well… never mind that arrangement. It seems Leipzig will be loaning its newest player back to New York.

Sure, it all seems terrible, but it’s not all bad news. As Manuel Veth alludes to, New York might be the best place for him now in terms of his development.

Mauricio Cuevas to Club Brugge

The news came quite unexpectedly, but American-born Mauricio Cuevas, who recently played for LA Galaxy 2, has signed a deal with Club Brugge on an expiring contract. He will likely play with Club Brugge’s reserve team, Club NXT, but this is a great opportunity for the 18 year-old defender to get some experience in European-style soccer.

Marlon Fossey to Bolton Wanderers (Loan)

American-born, UK-raised Marlon Fossey was loaned from Fulham, where he played with their U23 squad, to the Bolton Wanderers until this upcoming summer. This is a great move for the 23 year-old, who also played on loan with Shrewsbury Town last season. There have been some prominent former USMNT players who’ve played for the Wanderers: Stuart Holden, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson. Let’s see what he makes of it, and whether he can earn a spot for the National team. One thing is for sure, he will likely get minutes on the pitch for the Wanderers. In fact, he’s already made his debut for the team.

Caleb Stanko to PAS Giannina FC

FC Cincinnati midfielder, Caleb Stanko, has signed a free transfer deal to join PAS Giannina FC in Greece’s Super League 1. Stanko was called up to represent the USMNT back in 2016, and made only one appearance during the World Cup Qualifying match against Trinidad & Tobago in 2016. The 28 year-old will likely not be called up again given the USMNT’s talent, but you can never say never. If he does well in Greece, he might one day represent the U.S. again.

It will be interesting to see if other Americans will be making moves during this January transfer window. One would think the more will happen. There’s been a plethora of rumors going around, from Sergiño Dest to Atletico Madrid, Bryan Reynolds to Anderlecht, Justin Che to Bayern Munich, and Paul Arriola to Club America. And there’s a lot more that I’m failing to mention! I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

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