Yanks Transferring Abroad

Here is a quick rundown of which Americans have made moves in the January transfer window:













1. Stuart Holden to Bolton Wanderers (EPL)

2. Freddy Adu on loan to Aris FC (Greece)

3. Eddie Johnson on loan to Aris FC (Greece)

Both Adu and Johnson have their European careers on life support with this move to Greece. Johnson saw little to no time while at Fulham and on loan to Cardiff. Adu bounced around from Benfica to Monaco to Belenenses and now Aris. Lets see if these guys can get their act together or we might see them in MLS sooner rather than later.

4. Ricardo Clark on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga)

5. Landon Donovan on loan to Everton (EPL)

Donovan scored his first EPL goal the other day against Sunderland. This move seems to be panning out better than his time spent in Germany.

6. Bryan Arguez to Estoril FC (Portugal 2nd division)

A promising young talent that went from DC United to Hertha Berlin only to have some disciplinary problems. He will try for a fresh start with the 2nd division Portugese club.

7. Kenny Cooper to ????

The striker seems to be disgruntled with his situation in Germany and could find himself a new home. He is hoping to secure playing time in the run up to this summer's World Cup.

January Transfer Window Action

Its that time of year again folks: when speculation is king and hearsay is always reported. The January European Transfer Window provides teams with the opportunity to prepare for the second half of the season. And it also seems to provide everyone else with the opportunity to guess/judge what exactly is going through our favorite manager's heads. Here at SOTB we are no better, but we can help you through this year's window. Here are the latest:

• This morning it was reported that David Villa is finally ready for a move to England as it appears his chances at joining Madrid or Barcelona have diminished.
• Fergie has ruled out making a transfer window splash to "ease the defensive crisis."
• Tottenham's chairman, Daniel Levy to Redknapp: "You need to sell before you can buy."
• But, United have reportedly bid on 21 year old Benfica winger Angel Di Maria. Offering 9 million pounds plus Michael Jackson look alike Nani.

And if you are looking to get a grasp on what else to expect from this winter's transfers here is a great roundup.

Early Transfer Window Action

The European transfer window has only been for 24 hours, but that hasn't stopped several clubs from making early moves. Here is a quick roundup of the some of the first moves of the window.

• Full-back Wayne Bridge moves from Chelsea to Manchester City for an undisclosed transfer fee. Call it intuition, but something tells me this is the first of several moves City will be making in the next few weeks. And this move seems to imply that City is looking to sure up their defense before they make an anticipated (and seemingly inevitable) high profile offensive signing.
• Manchester United signed Serbian wingers Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade for a transfer fee reported to be near 17 million Euros. Ljajic, just 17 years old, will remain on loan in Belgrade, but Tosic, 21, will have the opportunity to train under Ryan Giggs and could be used in the near future. Tosic has been touted as one of the best young wingers in Europe, and will have fellow Serbian Nemanja Vidic to ease his transition into English football.

Arsenal Without Cesc for 3-4 Months

Gunner fans who saw Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas go down during Sunday's 1-1 draw against first placed Liverpool had their fears confirmed this morning. Cesc is reported to have partially ruptured his medial collateral ligament, and will be sidelined for 3-4 months.

This proves as yet another blow to Arsenal's already dwindling title hopes; no word on whether this injury will affect Wenger's actions during the winter transfer window. The transfer period runs from January 1st through January 31st.

Juande Ramos set to take over in Madrid

Former Tottenham and Sevilla manager Juande Ramos will take charge of Real Madrid today; his managerial debut will be a UEFA Champions League match that could have Madrid finishing atop their group with a win. Ramos must be enthusiastic about the opportunity with a top flight club, but his tenure with Madrid may prove to be anything but long term. Ramos is contracted for only a 6 month period and Madrid is notorious for discarding managers. Ramos will be Madrid's 11th coach in the last 10 years.

Madrid takes on Zenit St. Petersburg today in UEFA Matchday 6. Ramos will want a strong performance from his side, but the performance to watch might be that of Zenit's Andri Arshavin. Ramos has called him "magical" and may be looking heal some of Madrid's injury woes by bringing Arshavin to Real during the transfer window.

Tottenham Transfer Speculation

Reports are surfacing that Tottenham Manager Juande Ramos is hoping to make this transfer window a memorable one. ESPN is reporting that Ramos is looking to sign David Villa, Andrei Arshavin and Vedran Corluka for a sum of roughly 120 million dollars. The transfers (and now we move into the heavy speculation) would be partially funded by the 60 million dollar sale of Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United.

Quite the undertaking? It might not be as far fetched as one would think. David Villa has reportedly stated that he is ready for a move to the Premier League. Tottenham may prove to be an easy transition for the Spaniard because of the fast style of play enforced by Ramos' managing. Arshavin's chances at joining Barcelona seem lost; the striker might be thinking that a trip to Tottenham is his only chance at leaving Russia. And as for Corluka, Ramos has publicly stated that he hopes to base his defense on a partnership between the Croatian and Jonathan Woodgate.

Nothing but another fantastic European transfer window pipe dream? Perhaps, but with the recent inclusion of David Bentley, Giovani and Luka Modric, one has to feel that Ramos has the vision and the capability of putting together a side that is capable of great things. Now all he needs is the money.

EPL Transfers

I know this list is a bit dated (from July 21), but it gives a good overview of most of the transfers that Barclay's Premier League teams have made this summer. Check it out and start to map out your fantasy team for the upcoming season. The season kicks off on August 16th.

Liverpool Sign Robbie Keane in 20 Million Pound Deal

Tottenham fans will be saddened to see Robbie Keane depart White Hart Lane as Liverpool completed the signing of the Irish National. The deal's legitimacy was initially questioned by Tottenham, but the Spurs have officially withdrawn their previously filed complaint. Liverpool has been in the hunt for a striker since the departure of Peter Crouch. And with the addition of Keane to Liverpool's attack, its hard to deny that the Red's goal scoring potential. Keane has reported to Anfield for his his team physical.

Spurs fans are probably pretty shaken up (especially with the continued doubts of Dimitar Berbatov's future) but I wouldn't be too quick to lose faith in Tottenham. Juande Ramos is an adept manager and now with the departure of Robbie, I doubt that the additions of Luka Modric, Giovani Dos Santos will be the last of the summer.

Americans at Villa Park

The American Brads have taken over at Aston Villa during the current transfer window. First Brad Guzan signed with Aston Villa several weeks ago (pending a work permit being issued) and today Brad Friedel's transfer went through from long time club Blackburn. Friedel will almost definitely come in as the starter, taking Guzan under his wing.

This is a great development for Guzan. He will be able to transition into the EPL under Friedel, a seasoned keeper in one of the best leagues in the world. This will also bode well for the USA national team as their historically strong position of goalkeeper will gain even more strength with Guzan's development with the Villians. Either way, we should see a Brad playing between the sticks at Villa this season. Go Brad(s)!

Summer Transfers: Shakers and Movers

Ronaldinho: Barcelona to AC Milan

Alexander Hleb: Arsenal to Barcelona

Dimitar Berbatov: Tottenham to Man United??

Gilberto Silva: Arsenal to Panathinaikos

Peter Crouch: Liverpool to Portsmouth

Giovani dos Santos: Barcelona to Tottenham

Luca Modric: Dinamo Zagreb to Tottenham

Brad Guzan: CD Chivas USA to Aston Villa

Claudio Reyna: To Retire from Red Bull New York

Brian McBride: Fulham to ???

Josh Wolff: 1860 Munich to Kansas City Wizards

European Transfer Roundup

Zenit reject Barcelona's 15 million pound offer for Arshavin
The Russian international's dream to play in Spain is put on hold again as Zenit St. Petersberg rejected the Catalan's offer. Zenit has offered to extend Arshavin's contract until 2012, but I don't see Arshavin staying in Russia. Barcelona has already unloaded Deco, and with Ronaldinho and Eto'o on their way out, I think its just a matter of time (and money) until Barca gets Arshavin.

Dani Alves arrives in Barcelona
Barcelona completed the transfer of defender Dani Alves from Sevilla for a transfer fee that is speculated to be roughly 35 million Euros. Alves proved his quality over the past few seasons with Sevilla as he helped them win two UEFA Cups during his 5 years with the club. I think the move to Barcelona is a logical one; his explosive flair should fit well with Barcelona's attacking style of play.

Peter Crouch To Portsmouth
After months of speculation, Peter Crouch is finally leaving Anfield. Benitez accepted Portsmouths' 8 million Euros (with 3-4 million extra in bonuses) bid for the towering striker. Crouch, who had a turbulent stay at Anfield, has to be content at leaving his relationship with Benitez behind. I think Crouch is an underrated player and will justifiably see more time with Pompy. Here is a look back at Crouch's quality; a spectacular bicycle finish against Turkish side Galatasary.

Jozy Altidore sold to Villareal

La Liga's Villareal reportedly purchased former Red Bull forward Jozy Alitdore for a fee of 10 million dollars. The European transfer window does not open until July 1st, but sources close to the Red Bulls have reported that the deal has been agreed upon by both parties. Jozy is expected to join the Yellow Submarine soon after the transfer window opens.

Jozy's transfer fee of 10 million dollars makes him the most expensive player to ever come out of the MLS. The previous record was held by Clint Dempsey who was bought for 4 million dollars in 2006 by Fulham.

I think this is a great move for Jozy; he is finally free of the continual transfer speculation that has continued to haunt him. Hopefully he will be able to adapt to the Spanish league, and continue to develop and mature as a player. The National team needs you Jozy--Good Luck!

Guzan Transfer Nixed

Brad Guzan's potential transfer to Premiership side Aston Villa was blocked today when a work permit was denied for the American goalkeeper. This is some sad news for Guzan, as playing with Villa would have provided invaluable experience for the young player. I guess he can always try again next year. On the other hand, Chivas USA must be eccstatic. They get to retain the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for one more season.

Thursday at midnight can't come quick enough

I just want the stupid transfer window to be finished with. I am really tired of just reading about speculation and rumors. But while we are on the topic of speculation, there are still some players out there in interesting situations, if you are an American soccer fan.

Michael Bradley (see post below) has been on fire as of late scoring 15 goals in all competitions for Dutch side Heerenveen. Could he move to a more prominent league such as England, Spain or Italy? Hopefully.

Brad Guzan has been linked to Celtic and now Aston Villa. Personally I would like to see him go to Villa. He would add to the number of American netminders in the Premiership (he would be the 5th), he would continue to improve due to exposure to a high level of play and finally, I would be able to watch him play since FSC doesn't carry and Scottish league games.

Eddie Lewis has made several appearances for lowly Derby this season. Could the veteran U.S. international return stateside? Rumors have mentioned his name and the San Jose Earthquakes in the same sentence. Honestly, anyway in which he can leave the debacle that is Derby County sounds good to me. (Same goes with Feilhaber. Actually, it is more important that he moves on and logs those valuable playing minutes.)

Danny Szetela is supposedly on the move to Italian side Brescia. Once again, a necessary move to log those minutes.

Michael Bradley's Buzz

In case you haven't been following his success, Michael Bradley is having a break-out year with Dutch club Heerveneen. Bradley has become the newest 'buzz-player' to be sough after by several European teams. It has been reported that Everton, Blackburn, Sunderland and German side Hamburg are all varyingly interested in acquiring the 20 year old American. These transfer speculations have been compounded by Bradley's publicly made aspirations to play in either England or Germany.


Bradley, son of US Men's National Team manager Bob Bradley, has been erasing all doubts of nepotism every time he steps onto the pitch (both here and abroad). All accounts out of Holland indicate his continual progression and development as a player. He has become an intelligent midfielder with a keen knack for find the back of the net. Bradley added two goals (which makes 15 on the season) today in his clubs 3-0 stomping of Dutch side De Graafschap. Olympic qualifying is at hand and with the "bragging rights" friendly against Mexico in the near future, Bradley must certainly be excited at the opportunity for continued success while wearing country's jersey.

With the rumor mills churning, its hard to know what to expect; however, this much is certain. Bradley is being scouted by Blackburn Rovers (lets hope Mark Hughes' men saw today's performance) and desired by Everton. Meanwhile interested Sunderland and Hamburg are doing their best to keep things exciting. This all makes for great drama, especially since the end of the European Transfer Window is looming (January 31st). You can expect to hear more as this develops.

Simply put, as an American soccer fan I am nothing shy of ecstatic of Bradley's current, and seemingly destined future successes. Let the buzz continue.