Yanks in New Places: Summer 2014 U.S. International Transfers, Loans & Moves

Some prominent USMNT figures were on the move this summer. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

by Roderick MacNeil

The Near Post has been on temporary hiatus over the summer. We’re back now, and as always, there’s plenty to talk about in the universe of American soccer. It was an eventful ten weeks or so, to say the least.

The World Cup happened, for example. Remember that? The USMNT defied the odds and escaped the Group of Death. Yes, that really happened. We’re sure of it. It was televised.

Along the way, we felt the ecstasy of John Brooks’ dramatic winner vs. Ghana, Jermaine Jones’ seeing-eye golazo vs. Portugal, and Julian Green’s first touch extra-time strike vs. Belgium. We also were crushed by Jozy Altidore’s injured hamstring vs. Ghana, Cristiano Ronaldo’s perfect cross at the death vs. Portugal, and Chris Wondolowski’s missed chance to beat Belgium in the Round of 16. We also witnessed Tim Howard ascend to full-flegded superhero status with his 16 saves against Belgium.

Now a new World Cup cycle is upon us. The various Summer 2014 Transfer Windows have closed. There are new faces emerging on the USMNT roster, and many of the familiar faces have found new clubs. We figured, what more appropriate way to get back in the swing of things than to recap recent USMNT transfers and moves?

In that spirit, we’ve provided a spiffy infographic for your indulgence and enjoyment. It’s a taste of what’s ahead here at The Near Post, as we endeavor to bring you even better coverage of all things American soccer. Infographics are fun, so we’re making them. Let us know what you think!

We now proudly present our infographic debut…

“Yanks in New Places” (Summer 2014 – Key U.S. International Transfers, Loans & Moves)

The Near Post: Yanks in New Places (.pdf – full size , 3.2MB) (linked file opens in new tab)

The Near Post: Yanks in New Places (.png – full size, 3.7 MB) (linked file opens in new tab)

(Scaled image below opens image in new tab):

 

Fabian Johnson Signs with Borussia Mönchengladbach

Fabian Johnson will be on the move again after the World Cup

Following up on a story we first reported two weeks ago, today came official confirmation from Germany. USMNT midfielder/fullback Fabian Johnson signed a four-year contract with the Bundesliga’s Borussia Mönchengladbach. Johnson will leave 1899 Hoffenheim on a free transfer at the end of the current season. The new deal runs through the end of the 2018 season.

The move represents an upward move for Johnson. M’gladbach currently sits sixth in the Bundesliga table, a position that would qualify the club to play in the Europa League next season. They are also just 6 points back of fourth place Schalke 04 in the battle for the final spot in UEFA Champions League.

Johnson completes a three-year run at Hoffenheim that has seen him emerge as a regular fixture in the USMNT starting lineup. Unfortunately, injury troubles hampered his National Team availability for numerous matches during the past season. He still projects to make the final World Cup roster for Brazil and is a candidate to start at multiple positions.

Johnson and 1899 Hoffenheim next play on Sunday, March vs. Wolfsburg.

Report: Fabian Johnson Set for Summer Move to Borussia Mönchengladbach

USMNT midfielder/fullback Fabian Johnson in action for 1899 Hoffenheim. (mlssoccer.com)

Last week we reported that USMNT midfielder/fullback Fabian Johnson would depart his club 1899 Hoffenheim at the end of the current season. A report from “Kicker”, a prominent German sport magazine, claims that Johnson’s next destination is all but finalized.

The report says that, in fact, a trio of players, including VfB Stuffgart winger Ibrahima Traoré and FC Basel goalkeeper Yann Sommer, as well as Johnson, are set to move together to Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach. It was previously expected that Johnson would in fact remain in Germany. The transfer to M’gladbach represents a step upward for Johnson to a club in contention for a place in the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League. M’gladbach current sits fifth in the Bundesliga table, just four points behind Schalke 04 for the league’s final Champions League spot.

Johnson has been sidelined for Hoffenheim’s last two matches while recovering from a broken hand. He resumed training last Wednesday and should be on target to feature in next weekend’s home match against VfB Stuttgart.