FanNation - The Republic of Sport

So, where to begin. I have no clue. What will happen with LD? Where will he be suited up next year kicking the ball around? Good question huh? I think you have about as good a chance of picking where he will be as Steve Cronin becoming the #1 GK for the U.S. men's national team. Oh, in case you don't have any clue who Steve Cronin is, he plays (if you want to call it that) GK for the LA Galaxy. Look him up and you will see the inferred sarcasm. Anyways, back on the topic at hand.

First off, I think MLS is going to be a BIG factor in the outcome of LD leaving. And I mean BIG. They just got $10 mil. for Altidore. I think it is safe to say they will want more for Donovan. What teams in Europe will throw that kind of money out there? More specifically, what teams in competitive leagues (EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga) that will play LD on a consistent basis will front the money? I don't think Donovan should just sign for some lower division team to get to Europe. I know what I am about to say is bad, but he mine as well stay in MLS. The only way I see this being good for Donovan is if he signs for a team that is competing in a top division, more so, one of the previously mentioned 4. And how much will MLS be willing to negotiate on their price of LD? We all know what happened with Dempsey...and Twellman...and Joseph...and Cooper (just to name a few of many). They were all given interest by foreign clubs, and MLS said no to the transfer fees they were offered. LD has got to go to a club that will start him regularly and get him respectable minutes. So all the talk of Bayern Munich, rubbish. And I think he knows this, as he has stated he wants to go to Enland or Spain, even with the interest out there from Munich. He knows he will have virtually no chance of getting minutes unless multiple people get injured. And good for him for being mature enough to realize this.

Keeping all that in mind what teams could use a wing/forward with plenty of pace, a good shot that has good placement, quality passing, good vision, and good off the ball work? I am just going to throw out some teams I feel he could go to and play a hefty amount of time while gaining good experience. This is as of now and is subject to change depending on how teams are sitting come January.

                                                                                                                                                                          - Fulham: the potential of LD and Dempsey playing with each other in England could make any US fan salivate, but until Hodgson realizes that maybe, just maybe some US players are quality, this won't happen

- Everton: how much pull would Tim Howard have to help LD get picked up?

- Tottenham: this depends on what Redknapp does in the next 2 months with what he has

- Newcastle: they are dreadful; Donovan could probably get tons of playing time

- Espanyol: goal difference here is bad, they could most certainly use an influx in goals for

- Almeria: another team in Spain that is mid table but has more goals allowed than goals for

The opportunities are definately there. Question is, who will be willing to spend and take the risk of a player who has washed up before in Europe. In Donovan's defense, he was younger and not nearly as mature or ready than he now is for the move. All being said, I have nothing but the best of wishes for LD, as his progression goes hand in hand with the progression of the US team, so I personally am hoping he signs for a decent team that will get him some valuable playing time against some good competition. Personally, I would love to see him go to Everton. Chime in with your thoughs.