MLS Transfers: What’s up with all these 18-month loans?

A new year has continued the same trend of young Americans taking the vaunted step into Europe.

While we’ve seen plenty of the ‘usual’ business this January window, the standard transfers like Ricardo Pepi’s record-breaking move to FC Augsburg and Daryl Dike to West Bromwich Albion, another trend has emerged.

The 18-month loan with an option to buy.

Since the turn of the year, MLS clubs have utilized this method to get some of their brightest talents a move into European competition.

18-month loans with an option to buy are the new MLS transfers15 trend

Notably, versatile defender James Sands, fresh from an MLS Cup title with NYCFC, has already completed his move to Rangers FC. Meanwhile, Colorado Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett and FC Dallas fullback Justin Che are rumored to follow with moves to Feyenoord and TSG Hoffenheim, respectively.

Most soccer supporters understand that loans can serve many purposes, from getting wages off the bill to attempts to develop players. These 18-month loans fall into the latter.

For 21-year old Sands and 20-year old Bassett, this will be their first taste of soccer outside the states, while teenage Che had a brief five-month loan stint with Bayern II. Adapting to a new country and league will come with its initial struggles.

With the prospect of 18 months with a potential new club, Rangers, Feyenoord, and Hoffenheim will get extended looks at their prospective permanent signings before committing a transfer fee to them.

If the on-loan players fail to impress their new club, they can return to the world of MLS transfers, gaining European experience and potentially increasing their transfer value.

Winter is Coming

This is a different kind of year for soccer. Not just because someone spent $33 million on Chris Wood but because the World Cup will be held in the winter.

With its immense wealth (bribes?), Qatar has shifted the entire soccer calendar. Typically held during the clubs’ off-season in the summer, this year’s edition will take place during the winter, interrupting the 2022/2023 campaign.

These 18-month loans turn out to be more like 12-month loans when considering the time these players will miss due to the World Cup.

On a personal note for Sands, Che, and Bassett, all players called up to the USMNT. Playing well overseas can only improve their prospect of playing in Qatar.