USMNT Stars on the Move: Complete Guide to Every American Player's Summer 2025 Transfer

USMNT Stars on the Move: Complete Guide to Every American Player's Summer 2025 Transfer

The summer transfer period occurring one year before the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a crucial opportunity for players to secure new destinations that will optimally display their abilities with the upcoming tournament on the horizon.

For United States men's national team athletes, this principle holds equally true. Several players currently under Mauricio Pochettino's consideration will be seeking transfers to different clubs before the 2025–26 campaign begins.

The motivations behind these moves may differ, ranging from securing increased playing time to joining more prestigious organizations, but the objective remains consistent: earning selection among the 26 individuals who will comprise the USMNT's 2026 World Cup squad on American territory.

Several USMNT athletes have already completed club changes this summer, with additional potential transfers remaining possible during the remainder of the transfer period.

Below is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive guide tracking every USMNT player who has switched teams during the 2025 summer transfer period.

Johnny Cardoso

Johnny Cardoso experienced a remarkable campaign while representing Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis during 2024–25. The 23-year-old midfielder appeared in 46 matches for Betis throughout all tournaments and contributed to the club's sixth-place La Liga finish and Conference League final appearance—marking the organization's inaugural European final.

His impressive displays earned recognition from Atlético Madrid, who secured his services on a five-year contract. The seemingly inexhaustible defensive midfielder should integrate seamlessly into Diego Simeone's system, particularly given reports of Rodrigo De Paul's departure to Inter Miami.

If Cardoso continues his 2024–25 form and receives consistent opportunities at Atlético, excluding him from the starting lineup in 2026 will prove challenging.

Malik Tillman

Malik Tillman

Malik Tillman delivered arguably the finest USMNT performances during the team's journey to the 2025 Gold Cup final. Following two seasons with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, Tillman will now join last season's Bundesliga runners-up, Bayer Leverkusen.

The German-born American international enjoyed an excellent first half of 2024–25 before an ankle injury in January kept him out for more than two months. Despite this setback, Tillman concluded the season with 16 goals and 5 assists for the Dutch club.

The Bayern Munich academy graduate will return to Germany, joining Erik ten Hag's squad during a transitional period at Leverkusen. Tillman potentially arrives as the successor to now-Liverpool player Florian Wirtz.

Should the 23-year-old maintain his upward trajectory and reach new heights upon returning to Germany, Pochettino may possess a genuine game-changer in the attacking third.

Damion Downs

Damion Downs earned his USMNT debut this summer following an 11-goal campaign that helped FC Köln achieve Bundesliga promotion.

Nevertheless, Downs will not compete in the Bundesliga, instead moving to England to join recently relegated Southampton in the Championship. Downs hopes to secure regular playing time as the Saints' primary striker during 2025–26.

The 21-year-old forward faces significant challenges in making the 2026 World Cup squad, but exceptional Championship performances that help Southampton return to the Premier League could force Pochettino into difficult striker selection decisions next summer.

Patrick Agyemang

Downs is not the sole USMNT striker who obtained a Championship transfer, as former Charlotte FC forward Patrick Agyemang departed MLS to join Derby County.

Agyemang recorded 22 goals across 72 Charlotte FC appearances, including six MLS goals this season. He has also netted five times in 15 USMNT caps and served as Pochettino's preferred striker during the recently completed Gold Cup.

With Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun and Josh Sargent appearing to be the primary three striker options for the USMNT, Agyemang must make an immediate Championship impact to persuade Pochettino that excluding him from the World Cup roster would be a mistake.