USMNT Stars Poised for Major European Moves Before 2026 World Cup
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching North American shores in just one year, the summer of 2025 promises to be pivotal for American soccer talent and the U.S. men's national team.
Although several prominent European stars were absent from the USMNT's Gold Cup campaign, other players have embraced the opportunity and delivered outstanding performances during the team's journey to the final, where they suffered a 2–1 defeat to Mexico.
However, even those who didn't have standout summers under manager Mauricio Pochettino might secure transfers soon, as all players aim to elevate their game before next year's World Cup.
Johnny Cardoso has already completed his transfer from Real Betis to Atlético Madrid, but additional moves are anticipated, and Sports Illustrated examines several players who might be joining new clubs.
Malik Tillman From PSV to Bayer Leverkusen
Malik Tillman has emerged as one of the standout performers for the USMNT during the Gold Cup and is reportedly close to signing with 2024 Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, following three seasons with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
The 23-year-old midfielder would make his return to Germany after developing through the Bayern Munich youth system, but now as a significantly more refined player, having netted 25 goals and provided 19 assists across 73 appearances for the Dutch club while earning 22 caps for his national team.
Meanwhile, the reported transfer fee reaching $41 million would establish him as the second-most expensive American player transfer, trailing only Christian Pulisic's move from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea in 2018-19, which totaled $73.1 million.
As an ascending talent who remains relatively young, Leverkusen and former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag hope he can fill the void created by Florian Wirtz's departure, following the 22-year-old's transfer to Liverpool.
Patrick Agyemang From Charlotte FC to Derby County
Patrick Agyemang has established himself as a crucial starter for the USMNT during the Gold Cup and has demonstrated his ability as one of MLS's most promising young strikers with Charlotte FC.
Currently, he seems poised to join English Championship club Derby County, a transfer that will bring him to Europe, though it may not necessarily expose him to a substantially higher competitive level than what he experiences in MLS.
Nevertheless, MLS insider Tom Bogert indicates that Derby County are investing $8 million for the forward, representing an excellent return for Charlotte FC after initially drafting Agyemang in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
During his time with Charlotte FC, Agyemang has recorded 18 goals and six assists in 63 appearances, proving himself as a dynamic scorer who capitalizes on crosses with his six-foot-four stature, while his pace and lengthy stride enable him to break through defenses on through balls.
Despite earning the starting position and catching Pochettino's attention this summer, his move to the Championship places him in a challenging situation where he must adapt rapidly and sustain his performance level to genuinely compete for a starting role in next year's World Cup.
Damion Downs From FC Köln to Southampton
Among the newest additions to the USMNT roster, FC Köln forward Damion Downs is reportedly set to join Premier League club Southampton, according to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg.
Based on Plettenberg's reporting, the transfer would cost $9.4 million, with additional bonuses potentially pushing the total package beyond $11.78 million, including a contract extending through 2029.
Downs has received limited playing time with the USMNT during the Gold Cup, marking his first competitive international camp, but made his mark in the 2. Bundesliga during 2024–25, scoring 10 goals and contributing five assists in 29 league matches, helping his team secure promotion to Germany's top division.
While joining the Premier League represents a significant step for any 21-year-old, Downs's track record suggests he could adjust, though likely at a gradual pace, given the substantial leap from Germany's second tier, where he achieved most of his success.
Even if he requires time to establish himself in one of the world's premier leagues, making this transition at a young age will benefit the American striker, and unexpected form could potentially earn him a spot in the USMNT's starting eleven over the coming year.
Tim Weah Linked with a Move from Juventus
While no transfer is guaranteed, Juventus appears to be marketing Timothy Weah this summer, with reports suggesting that Nottingham Forest, Marseille, Leeds United, and AS Monaco are among the clubs showing interest in the 24-year-old American.
According to L'Equipe, the Turin club could be persuaded by an offer of at least $16.71 million for the winger, who contributed five goals and two assists in 30 Serie A appearances during 2024–25, though he will seek to secure a prominent role wherever he lands.