Speculation about player transfers is already widespread for American soccer players. For instance, midfielder Johnny Cardoso has been linked with a move from Real Betis to Atletico Madrid. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, many members of the United States men`s national team could be changing clubs. Players like Gio Reyna and Yunus Musah are currently struggling to get minutes at their respective teams, meaning their chances of featuring in the World Cup could be slim if they don`t secure consistent playing time soon.
While the 2026 World Cup might still feel distant, it`s now less than two years away, and opportunities for players to impress the national team coaching staff are decreasing. Key figures have either been unavailable for matches or experienced inconsistent roles under the current setup, which could impact their selection prospects when the World Cup roster is finalized.
Given the important summer transfer window ahead, what potential moves could significantly benefit members of the USMNT squad?
Potential Move: Gio Reyna to Real Betis
If one American player potentially departs from the Spanish club, it could open the door for another to arrive. Gio Reyna`s time at Borussia Dortmund appears to be nearing its end. With Real Betis qualifying for the Europa League next season, there will be a need for squad rotation even if Isco is the primary attacking midfielder. This situation could offer a chance for someone like Reyna to get minutes. Playing under manager Manuel Pellegrini and learning from attacking midfielders would be an excellent environment for Reyna to revive his form. Betis has a reputation for helping various players find their best performance level, making it a potentially good destination.
Potential Move: Yunus Musah to a non-European competing Bundesliga Club
Yunus Musah is finding it tough to break into the starting lineup at AC Milan, which has made the `MMA` midfield (Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Musah) less common for the USMNT recently. Musah desperately needs to move to a club where he can play consistently. Given his strengths in pressing and dribbling, a team not involved in demanding European competition might be the right fit at this point in his career. At just 22, getting regular playing time is crucial for his development. Considered one of the most talented players in the USMNT pool, he needs consistent action to fully develop his game.
Potential Move: Marlon Fossey to Sunderland
Marlon Fossey, who has recently featured for the USMNT under the coaching staff, has the potential to challenge Joe Scally and Sergino Dest for starting fullback positions at the World Cup. However, his current club in Belgium, Standard Liege, may not provide the ideal platform for this push. A return to England could provide the necessary boost. While it`s a risk leaving a starting role in Belgium, a move to a club like Sunderland in the English Championship could offer Fossey the chance to earn a starting spot and contribute offensively. Performing well and helping a club achieve its goals (like a potential Premier League push) could significantly improve his standing for the national squad.
Potential Move: Matt Turner to a Club Where He`s the Starting Goalkeeper
Matt Turner is another player who must prioritize finding consistent playing time above all else. He has had limited minutes for several seasons now. Even returning to Major League Soccer should be an option if it means becoming a guaranteed number one keeper. The national team coaching staff emphasizes that key players need to be playing regularly. Although Turner has often been an exception due to his undisputed position as the USMNT`s primary goalkeeper, emerging competitors mean this could change in the coming year. Therefore, he needs to actively seek a move soon to become a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere.
Benedict Kingsley