In a year that includes the Paris Olympics, CONCACAF Nations League and the Copa America hosted on home soil, there’s a lot at stake for prospective members of the U.S. Men’s National Team. The result has been a flurry of transfer activity around American players in the winter window, as many are vying for valuable playing time at club level to hopefully earn some more international caps.
This interest in USMNT is attracting attention not only from fans, but also from various sportsbooks with free bets. And below, we’ll be analyzing the top 5 USMNT transfers of 2024 so far, in terms of potential game time and long-term career ambitions.
Gio Reyna: Dortmund (Germany) to Nottingham Forest (England)
This move was always about playing time for Reyna. The USMNT’s young star made a decent number of appearances at Borussia Dortmund this season but spent a total of 280 minutes actually on the pitch. Searching for a more solidified role, Reyna made the move to Premier League relegation candidates Nottingham Forest on a six-month loan and,,, it hasn’t gone to plan so far. With only 41 minutes across 3 bench appearances, the 2023 Nations League Final man of the match seems to have been relegated to the role of super sub at club level.
Grade: C-
Johnny Cardoso: Internacional (Brazil) to Real Betis (Real Betis)
Born in America but moving to Brazil when he was 3 months old, Johnny Cardoso turned heads in 2020 when he broke into the first team Série A side Internacional at just 18 years old, earning him his first of 9 USMNT caps so far. After solidifying himself as an indispensable member of the Inter squad, Cardoso finally earned his big move this January, joining La Liga side Real Betis for $6.3 million.
The move has been an absolute dream so far, with the well-rounded defensive midfielder immediately solidifying himself in the starting lineup and earning La Liga U23 Player of the Month honors in February.
Grade: A+
Paxten Aaronson: Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany) to Vitesse (Netherlands)
Paxten Aaronson, one of the youngest USMNT players, was in a similar position to Gio Reyna this season, getting some appearances off the bench for a good Bundesliga squad but struggling to find consistent minutes. Instead of switching to another top-five league, Frankfurt decided to lean into potential playing time, sending Aaronson to midtable Eredivisie club Vitesse on loan. Despite the drop in league quality, so far it seems to be paying off, as he’s started four games and scored his first goal in a 2-1 win over Excelsior.
Grade: B+
Zack Steffen: Manchester City (England) to Colorado Rapids (United States)
While being Edersons backup in Manchester certainly boosted Zack Steffens‘s bank account and trophy cabinet, it’s seen his international career stagnate. But, with the USMNT goalie situation in disarray, this is the perfect time for Steffen to make a move. After a successful stint on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough last season, Steffen is moving back to the US, where he’ll be the undisputed #1 option in Colorado. Although he allowed four through the posts on his debut, the former Maryland Terrapins transfer is still a win in our books simply because of the guaranteed game time.
Grade: B+
Brandon Vázquez: FC Cincinatti (MLS) to Monterrey (Mexico)
Outside of Ricardo Pepi, the other striker spots on the USMNT are seemingly up for grabs, and Brandon Vázquez made a big move in the hopes of securing one. The former Atlanta United striker has been one of the best American-born goalscorers in the MLS over the last two years but, instead of securing a move to Europe, he’s taking a risk by heading south of the border to join Mexican powerhouse Monterrey in Liga MX. With 5 goals in 8 games and the chance to play consistently in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Vazquez is producing while still having the chance to show off his stuff on the continental stage.
Grade: A-
