GOAL US analyzes the major storylines for Americans in Europe ahead of the 2024-25 season
This is no longer a question of isolated individuals. Not so long ago, the USMNT's main men either played in MLS, or were spread sparsely across Europe. You could count all of the relevant players on one hand.
Not anymore. Now, Europe is rife with American talent, USMNT regulars old and young featuring in the big five leagues and belong for major clubs. These days, it's hard to keep track of them all.
Certainly, the big names stand out. Christian Pulisic had a true breakout season for Milan last year, while Antonee Robinson and Weston McKennie enjoyed their moments. For others, it wasn't so successful, with infrequent playing time limiting opportunities. It all leads to compelling conversations and threads for fans to follow over the year.
Everything seems poised well for this season, too. Some players have made major moves. Others will have to embrace new roles. And a few are at the same club, looking to show that they can advance to the next level. It should make for a fascinating campaign. GOAL analyzes the major storylines to follow among Americans abroad in the 2024-25 season.
GettyHow does Christian Pulisic fare as a No. 10?
New Milan manager Paulo Fonseca made it clear in preseason that he wasn't afraid to shake things up for last year's Serie A runners-up. Part of that was a new position for Pulisic, who was deployed as a central attacking midfielder in the final friendly of Milan's U.S. tour.
At times, it was magnificent, with Pulisic scoring and assisting in a frantic friendly against Barcelona. But he also went missing for long periods of the contest, easily marked out of the game or struggling to find pockets of space.
He has always been more of a runner and dribbler than creative maestro, so it should be interesting to see how well he adapts to a new spot. If all goes well, this could be his best season yet. If not, Pulisic could be once again hunting for his best position on the field.
AdvertisementGettyWhere does Gio Reyna end up?
Well, the vibes are supposedly good. Reyna has been pictured in Dortmund training, all smiles, ahead of the start of the Bundesliga campaign. That was backed up by an appearance in a friendly for last year's Champions League finalists. This is not the behavior of a player whose exit is imminent.
Still, there is a prevailing sense that Reyna needs to go to a team that will offer him the minutes he so badly needs. The USMNT midfielder is such an immense talent, but just needs to play soccer at a high level. Dortmund, although they lost Marco Reus, are still loaded at his position, and don't seem to have much space for yet another attacking player. Whether he defies the odds and gets into the Dortmund team, gets a loan, or manages to force a permanent sale, Reyna simply has to get minutes this year. It will be fascinating to see where exactly that is.
GettyDoes Weston McKennie get the minutes he needs?
In other transfer news… McKennie's future seems up in the air. The USMNT midfielder enjoyed arguably his best season as a pro in 2023-24, making 34 appearances and providing seven assists from a central midfield role – all while offering vital energy for Max Allegri's otherwise languid side.
You'd figure that his apparent availability would attract some interest from other European clubs. But so far, talk has been relatively limited. Fiorentina reportedly enquired about securing his services, but chatter around a potential move has quietened in recent weeks. A return to the Bundesliga, too, has been suggested – without anything ultimately materializing. MLS also hasn't been ruled out.
Recent reports suggest he could, in fact, stay at Juventus, so perhaps Thiago Motta has a change of heart and brings McKennie into the fold. Either way, McKennie is too good not to play somewhere. It's just a question of sorting the right spot.
ImagoWill the American contingent at PSV help power the Eredivisie champs?
There's plenty of USMNT talent around Europe, and although Milan are the headliners with the Pulisic-Yunus Musah duo, PSV have quietly assembled a fine trio. Sergino Dest was magnificent last year until a serious knee injury ended his campaign, while Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi also played their part in an immensely successful season for the club.
They will be expected to contribute again this year, though. PSV now have the reality of Champions League soccer to contend with, while Ajax certainly look a much improved side after a truly miserable 2023-24 season. Tillman seems to be the one most likely to rack up minutes, but Pepi will have to contribute off the bench, while Dest's return to fitness at right-back could offer a late season boost.