Ahead of the World Cup, several familiar players were on the move – with some climbing the ladder, others taking steps back
Depending on who you ask, tracking player transfers has become both easier – and more difficult. Yes, social media presents fans with an abundance of information, which means there are fewer surprises. That said, given the volume of noise – and both information, and some disinformation – it can be challenging to sift through it all.
So, as we head into the final weeks of a busy summer transfer window – and with the European seasons kicking off – it's worth looking back on a busy period for some U.S. internationals, both at home and abroad.
Ahead of the World Cup, several familiar players were on the move. Some took steps up the ladder, others step back.
GOAL offers a look at some familiar faces in new places among Americans Abroad.
Getty ImagesMalik Tillman: Bayer Leverkusen
Malik Tillman was one of the best-performing American players last season, scoring 12 goals to help lead PSV to a thrilling come-from-behind title win – their second consecutive Eredivisie triumph. The midfielder's efforts last season didn't just earn PSV a trophy, though. They also earned him a huge transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.
Just more than a year removed from their own league triumph, Leverkusen went into this summer in rebuilding mode. Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, two pillars of their team, were off to Liverpool. Xabi Alonso, the managerial mastermind, was hired by Real Madrid.
Tillman was brought in as a key player to help usher in a new era, even if everyone has to understand he can't do it himself. With Leverkusen, Tillman will likely be given the keys, the ones left behind by Wirtz, as the club asks him to be a creative force.
It's a new challenge for a player who thrived in his last one, and success near the top of the Bundesliga would solidify Tillman as a World Cup starter for the USMNT.
AdvertisementImagnMatt Turner: New England Revolution
After bouncing around England over the last few years, Matt Turner found himself as the subject of the most chaotic move of the summer. He signed with Lyon, who then decided they didn't really want him, and sought to nullify the deal. In the end, it resulted in a happy ending, and a return home.
Turner is back on loan with the Revs, where he began his career and, eventually, his USMNT breakout. He's already off to a hot start, having kept a clean sheet in his return to his local club. Clearly, this is a feel-good moment for Turner and one the goalkeeper desperately needed in order make a positive impression on USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino.
For Turner, this summer was all about finding a place to play consistently, as it was clear that doing so would define his push towards the World Cup. He did that, in the end, taking a roundabout route home.
AFPTim Weah: Marseille
Not just a familiar face in a new place, but a familiar name, too. Tim's Weah's father, the legendary George, ended his European run with a stop at Marseille, and now the USMNT winger will ply his trade at the club, as well.
He joined on an initial loan from Juventus, one with an obligation to buy, as he returns to Ligue 1 after previously featuring for both PSV and Lille. He'll be playing for a contender once again, too, as Marseille finished second last season to book a spot in the Champions League.
The winger is, of course, one of the most recognizable faces on the USMNT and, given the other wing options, is likely one of the most important, as well, as he begins this new chapter in a familiar league.
Getty Images SportJohnny Cardoso: Atletico Madrid
Johnny Cardoso didn't switch leagues, but he did move up the ladder, joining Atletico Madrid from Real Betis for a massive $35 million fee. It's a major move, one in which Cardoso joins a megaclub after proving himself as a legitimate La Liga midfielder during his year-and-a-half run in Betis.
There are big shoes to fill. With Rodrigo De Paul now in Miami, Atleti have turned to Cardoso as a midfield option and, while he's a different type of player, he'll now be tasked with playing the Atleti way. That is defined by passion, energy and effort. Based on what we've seen on the club level so far, Cardoso should be able to adapt to life under Diego Simeone.
It could also harden him for life under another Argentine, Pochettino, who will hope to get more out of Cardoso going forward than he did during an injury-impacted Gold Cup.
