The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool
The clock is ticking on transfers in both MLS and Europe, with the end of August marking a crucial period for the U.S. men’s national team. Several players face uncertain club futures, or need significant moves, to cement their place in Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup plans.
In Italy, Yunus Musah's status continues to swing like a pendulum. Last week, it was reported he would stay at Milan, but now it appears both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are aggressively moving to acquire the talented midfielder, who has struggled for consistency in Serie A.
Josh Sargent is off to a torrid start, scoring in his first two games of the season. Yet, Norwich manager Liam Manning stressed that the striker could still be on the move. In MLS, Max Arfsten has been linked with a move all summer and it appears Real Salt Lake's talented youngster, Zavier Gozo, is drawing interest from a Belgian giant.
GOAL tracks all of the American player movements in the USMNT Transfer Notebook, a recurring feature covering the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty ImagesPremier League clubs face off for Musah?
Will he stay or go? That's seemingly been the question for months with Musah, a player with plenty of potential who has struggled to find a fit in AC Milan. Though Musah appeared to be set to stay after a strong preseason, Nottingham Forest emerged as a strong contender to sign the American, with the Athletic reporting the two clubs opened talks over a move.
Things took another turn on Tuesday. Forest reportedly wasn't willing to reach Milan's $40 million valuation, offering $35.1 million. That could open the door for another club to emerge in Crystal Palace, according to journalist Ciro Venerato. Musah's is Forest's No. 1 target, but they are already looking at alternatives if Milan aren't willing to accept their bid.
There are positives and negatives with both reported bids, as Forest clearly values Musah but had struggles integrating another American, Gio Reyna, two years ago. Palace features another USMNT star in Chris Richards, but already has a strong midfield with Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada.
Will it be London or Nottingham or potentially Naples? Time will tell.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportNorwich preparing for Sargent's exit?
Sargent is arguably the hottest striker in the U.S. national team pool, scoring in both of Norwich's opening games. Despite Sargent wearing the captain's armband in the opener, Canaries boss Manning admitted the 25-year-old could still be on the move.
"I think the best practice is to be proactive with the work you do… With the interest, you’d be mad to not do anything behind the scenes to be prepared. So, of course, we want him to stay, but we have to be prepared if it doesn’t happen," the manager said.
While Sargent turned down a move to Wolfsburg earlier, he continues to be linked with other moves – including to Burnley and Leeds earlier this summer.
Getty Images SportAnother American to Belgium?
In June, it was reported that Belgian side Genk were monitoring RSL teenager Zavier Gozo. Yet speculation suggests that they aren't the only club who are watching the U.S. youth international, who scored at the weekend for Real Salt Lake against the New York Red Bulls.
Gozo, 18, has been a breakout star alongside Diego Luna in the first team, and is expected to compete for a spot at the U20 World Cup this September.
“I don't really think about that," he said of a possible transfer. "I'm just focused on the season right now and getting as many wins as we can, making the playoffs. And then, you know, the offseason, we'll see."
Getty Images SportArfsten gives green light to Middlesbrough
The emerging wingback has been the subject of a transfer tug of war between Toulouse and Middlesbrough, but if reports out of England are to be believed, the Crew star has given a clear indication of his preference.
The Northern Echo is reporting Arfsten wants to go with Boro and has asked for a transfer from Columbus.
The sticking point remains price, as the English club's bid of $3 million was rejected by the MLS side – who insist they want to keep the 24-year-old until the end of the season.
If the deal goes through, it could be a promising for Arfsten, as manager Rob Edwards likes playing a system with attacking wingbacks, and currently features fellow USMNT midfielder Aidan Morris.