The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool
At this point in the World Cup cycle, transfers matter. It can be the difference between making a roster and watching from home. The wrong move can knock you out of contention. The right one can book your ticket.
U.S. men's national team fans are keeping their eyes on a whole bunch of players. Gio Reyna may be the one at the top of the list. With his Borussia Dortmund future uncertain, Reyna has to get this next move right, both for his hopes in 2026 and beyond. He's not the only attacking midfielder that could be on the move this summer, though. The No. 10 race seems to be heating up as others in that position get ready for their own big swings.
Malik Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, and Paxten Aaronson have all been in the headlines recently, largely for good things. Tillman and Paxten Aaronson are both killing it in the Eredivisie. Brenden Aaronson, meanwhile, just helped Leeds earn Premier League promotion. There won't be room for all of them on a World Cup squad, which makes this summer key for each individually.
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.
Getty ImagesTillman on Chelsea's radar
Malik Tillman made it fairly clear: he's happy to stay at PSV.
"At this moment, I am certain that I will stay at PSV," he told ESPN, going on to add, "I know the city well and I feel comfortable here. The club gives me confidence and supports me. That's important to me."
The rumor mill is saying Tillman could move on, though. According to Chelsea writer Simon Phillips, the Blues are keeping tabs on the PSV star. It would certainly make sense. Chelsea's MO in recent years has to been to collect young, high-upside talent, and Tillman fits the bill. Not every signing has hit for the Blues, to put it lightly, but they're going for volume at Stamford Bridge, signing young players from all over the world.
For Tillman, a move to Chelsea would obviously be a huge risk. are anything but stable and with a World Cup looming, stability is a good thing. He's emerged as one of the best young players in the Eredivisie and, still only 22, there's room to grow.
Chelsea's interest is a start, though, and it's further proof that, at some point, Tillman will likely return to the very top of the European game after starting his career with Bayern Munich.
AdvertisementGettyWhat next for Brenden Aaronson?
Leeds are heading back to the Premier League, where many would say they belong. This is a big club now heading back to the England's top flight, having earned promotion from the Championship after two years in the second division. Change is coming, though, and those changes could lead to some unexpected shifts.
According to the Daily Mail, Leeds are shockingly considering parting ways with Daniel Farke, the manager who guided them to promotion. Farke is a Championship specialist, having now escaped the league three times in as many seasons. However, there are questions about his ability to manage at the top level, which is why Leeds are reportedly considering moving on in favor of someone else. It would be a wild decision, for sure, but, given how hard it has become to stay in the Premier League, maybe something wild is needed.
That brings us to Brenden Aaronson. Farke has long been a believer in the American, having made it a point to pick him up after some of his more difficult moments this season. He stuck by him even after his CONCACAF Nations League exclusion, helping to prop Aaronson back up before being rewarded with a goal from the American midfielder.
Farke or no Farke, Leeds look set to shake things up this summer. What does that mean for Aaronson? It remains to be seen, but it's clear that no one on Leeds is particularly safe as they prepare for their Premier League return.
Paxten Aaronson's future uncertain, too
Paxten Aaronson's loan to Utrecht has been a resounding success. He has double-digit goal contributions, with seven goals and three assists in the Eredivisie, and has established himself as one of the Dutch league's top young players, all while lifting Utrecht into contention for a European spot.
Utecht, understandably, want to keep him, extending the year-long loan they originally agreed to with Eintracht Frankfurt.
"We are in talks with Frankfurt," said Utrecht coach Ron Jans. "We hope we can keep him for another year. It will take a few weeks before it is clear whether it will work."
Frankfurt, meanwhile, are eager to have Aaronson back. He was sent to Utrecht for more seasoning, and it's safe to say that it's gone about as well as anyone at the German club could have expected.
“Together we then decided to move him to a higher level this season at Utrecht,” Eintracht Frankfurt director of football Timmo Hardung told Transfermarkt. “Paxten had to show that he wants to walk the path of success by scoring goals and assists. His development has been very positive. Utrecht are also pleased with him, and we are really looking forward to having him back.”
It will be a big call this summer, not just for the clubs but for Aaronson. Given his development over the past year, there's plenty of reason to believe he can make a late run at a World Cup spot. That will depend on how he fares next season and, more specifically, how he continues to grow wherever he lands.
Getty Images SportJones reunites with Arena
On the surface, getting traded twice in a year would generally be cause for concern. Not for DeJuan Jones. That's because this most recent trade reunited him with a familiar face that just so happens to be the USMNT's best-ever head coach.
Jones was traded to the San Jose Earthquakes this week, ending a less-than-a-year stint with the Columbus Crew. The move reunites him with Bruce Arena, who previously got the best out of the fullback during their time together with the New England Revolution.
“DeJuan Jones is a welcome addition to our team. He is an experienced player in the league and has the versatility to play in both our backline and midfield,” said Earthquakes Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena. “I look forward to again working with DeJuan and welcome him to the San Jose Earthquakes.”
Jones is a versatile fullback, one who, at his best, is right there among the top at the position in MLS. Arena can help keep him there. Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, isn't afraid of calling in MLS players, as demonstrated by his Nations League roster, which means Jones can feel like he has a chance to stay involved on the international level.
It'll be tough, especially with the crop of fullbacks in the USMNT pool, but, after this trade, Jones is certainly worth keeping an eye on.