As the quality of players in the United States continues to rise, a number of Americans are being linked with moves to the English Premier League ahead of the summer.
While there have been some Americans in England’s top flight in the past, few have taken the competition by storm, but that could soon be about to change.
Big Things Expected From Aaronson
Leeds United were heavily linked with a move for Brenden Aaronson in the January transfer window but the Whites could not get a deal over the line for the Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder. Aaronson, whose former club Philadelphia Union are 16/1 to win the MLS title this season, attracted strong interest from Leeds following a host of fine performances in the Austrian Bundesliga and the Champions League. The 21-year-old is being touted as one of the brightest talents to come out of the USA in recent years, and is already impressing with the US national team.
Leeds were determined to try and land Aaronson in January but Salzburg dug in their heels as they saw the New Jersey native as a key figure in their hopes of progressing even further through the knockout stages of the Champions League this summer. All suggestions indicate that if Leeds can retain their Premier League status this season, they will go back in for Aaronson this summer. NFL franchise, San Francisco 49ers, have been investing in Leeds in recent years and it would be understandable why they would want to sign one of the most highly-rated American players right now.
Clubs following McKennie Progress
Another American shining in Europe with Juventus is Texan midfielder Weston McKennie, who again was linked with a Premier League move in January. Leeds were also thought to be keeping tabs on McKennie’s situation in Turin, while Tottenham Hotspur were another English side credited with an interest. Big things are expected from the former FC Dallas academy product who was picked up by Bundesliga outfit Schalke back in 2016. After an initial loan spell to Juve in the 2020-21 campaign, McKennie landed a permanent move to the Serie A giants last year.
Despite earning regular appearances in the Juve first team this season, there has been plenty of speculation linking the 23-year-old with a move to the Premier League at the end of the current campaign. Just like Aaronson, McKennie is another American who has developed his game in Europe and looks to be a player who could shine in England. Americans who have made it in the Premier League in the past have mainly been goalkeepers, with the likes of Tim Howard, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller as examples.
Clint Dempsey was arguably the best American outfield player to grace the Premier League and perhaps Aaronsen and McKennie can challenge the former Fulham and Tottenham midfielder for that accolade in the future.