The winter transfer window isn’t open yet but there is plenty to talk about.  The winter transfer market usually lacks the blockbuster moves and big signings that make the summer off season so exciting.  For American’s though, this is the most important time of the year.

Who’s already gone?

Landon Donovan to Bayern Munich, Loan: Although he isn’t gone for good just yet, i don’t think it is likely we’ll see him back in MLS.  He seems to have a strong desire to play in Europe and his loan spell will be an opportunity to showcase his skill to the highest bidder.

Michael Parkhurst to Nordsjaelland, free tranfer: The 24 year old former MLS defender of the year has finally made his way to Europe.  Parkhurst is a gifted young defender, and is out to prove that he isn’t too small to play center back.  The Danish league is a good place to start his European adventuer.  At 24 he is still young for a defender, and should hit his prime in a year or two.  I predict good things for Parkhurst and I hope to see playing in one of the top leagues fairly soon.

As good as gone:

Chad Marshall to Mainz: The 2008 Defender of the year has finished his trial at Mainz.  He will have to wait until January to see if Mainz choose to pursue him, but i dont’ see him coming back to MLS.  Chad Marshall has done everything a defender can accomplish in MLS and he is only 24.  While staying in MLS guarantees him playing time, a move abroad will provide him with the new challenges he needs to grow as a player.  Coming out of college he was heralded as a future anchor for the national team, but hasn’t yet hit that level.  I think he understands what he needs to do to get to that level and won’t be coming back in March.

Sacha Kljestan to FC Twente, Heerenveen,  Zenit St Petersburg, Monaco, or Olympiakos Piraeus: Everyone seems to be interested in the lanky center midfielder.  His current club form and contributions to the full national team have raised his stock considerably.  The Seton Hall product was a consistent member of the youth national team program, but was always over shadowed by young standouts like Freddy Adu, Benny Feilhaber, and Danny Szetela.  It is Klejstan’s turn to now, and although he was a late bloomer he has surpassed expectations and become a regular on Coach Bradley’s USMNT roster.  I would love to see him in the Dutch league.

Kenny Cooper to Eintracht Frankfurt: The FC Dallas striker has been rumoured to be on the move for a while.  After a few failed attempts to leave during the season, I don’t think anyone can stop him now.  Coach Schellas is already planning for Cooper’s inevitable departure and scouting South America for a suitable striker.  Cooper was one of the bright spots in the US qualifier versus Guatemala. The competition that night was not of the highest calibur, but Cooper was allowed to showcase his vision and finishing ability.  I don’t think the German game suits him, but we’ll see where he eventually ends up.  Eintracht sit 9th in the Bundesliga table. Six points clear of the relegation zone, and 13 points shy of a top 5 spot.

Also on the move:

Oguchi Onyewu to Olympique de Marseille: Gooch’s move to Marseille seems to be a done deal.  The towering center back has been at Standard Liege since 2004, with the exception of a dissapointing loan spell with Newcastle in 2007.  Gooch didn’t look ready for the big leagues during his time at Newcastle.  I think there were a lot of things going against him at that time, but the move to Marseille should turn out better.  The French game isn’t as physical as the EPL and he should be able to use his size to an advantage.  The French League is definately a step up and he should rise to the challenge.

Neven Subotic to Napoli: The young American center back looks to be on his way out of Germany.  Subotic has lit up the Bundesliga with exceptional defensive and offensive displays.  It is hard to beleive that Borussia Dortmund would let the 20 year old go.  Napoli sit 3rd in Serie A, tied with AC Milan and 3 points behind Juventus.

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