The transfer season is sparking speculation for American soccer players, especially concerning the USMNT as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Many players vital to the national team picture are struggling for consistent minutes at their current clubs. For talents like Gio Reyna and Yunus Musah, securing regular playing time quickly is crucial; without it, their prospects for featuring in the upcoming World Cup could diminish.
The 2026 tournament is now less than two years away, meaning opportunities to impress coach Mauricio Pochettino in national team camps are becoming scarce. Players who aren`t consistently performing for their clubs, such as Sergino Dest, Folarin Balogun (who haven`t been available), or Josh Sargent and Reyna (who have been inconsistent), risk impacting their standing when the World Cup roster is finalized. This makes the upcoming transfer window particularly important.
With a critical summer window ahead, here are some potential transfers that could significantly benefit USMNT players:
Gio Reyna to Real Betis
Given the potential departure of an American player from Real Betis, it could be an opportune moment for another to arrive. Gio Reyna`s tenure at Borussia Dortmund appears to be nearing its end due to a lack of playing opportunities. Real Betis, having qualified for the Europa League next season, offers a promising destination. Although Isco is the primary attacking midfielder, he won`t start every match, opening a pathway for Reyna to gain minutes.
Training alongside experienced attacking midfielders like Isco and Giovani Lo Celso, under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini, could provide the ideal environment for Reyna to revitalize his career. Betis has a track record of successfully developing international players, making it a potentially excellent fit.
Yunus Musah to any Bundesliga team not in Europe
Yunus Musah is finding it difficult to secure a regular place in AC Milan`s starting lineup. The envisioned `MMA` midfield pairing of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Musah has rarely materialized recently. Musah critically needs a transfer to a club where he is guaranteed consistent playing time. Given his key strengths lie in pressing and dribbling, a team not competing in European competitions might be a better fit at this stage of his career.
At just 22, valuable minutes in the right system could significantly accelerate his development. As one of the most potentially gifted players in the USMNT pool, playing regularly is essential for him to hone his overall game.
Marlon Fossey to Sunderland
Marlon Fossey has recently broken into the USMNT picture under coach Pochettino and has the potential to challenge Sergino Dest and Joe Scally for minutes at right back. However, consistent high-level challenges needed to secure a starting spot seem unlikely to come from playing for Standard Liege in Belgium. A transfer back to England could provide the necessary boost.
While moving from a starting role in Belgium is a risk, joining a newly promoted Premier League side like Sunderland could offer Fossey the chance to compete for a starting spot and inject attacking quality into their defense. Staying in the Premier League will be challenging for Sunderland, but becoming a standout performer in that battle could be precisely what Fossey needs to cement his place in the USMNT squad.
Matt Turner to anywhere where he`s the number one keeper
Matt Turner is another player for whom consistent playing time is non-negotiable. The goalkeeper has faced challenges securing a starting role for several seasons. The need for regular minutes is so pressing that even a return to Major League Soccer to be a guaranteed starter should be considered.
Coach Pochettino has emphasized the importance of his key players featuring consistently for their clubs. Turner has been somewhat of an exception in the goalkeeping position as his primary backup hasn`t seriously challenged for his starting spot. However, with emerging talents like Matt Freese, Patrick Schulte, and Zack Steffen performing well and potentially pushing for a spot, Turner`s position isn`t guaranteed long-term. This makes finding a move where he can be the undisputed number one goalkeeper as soon as possible imperative.
