Over the past year, the impending FIFA World Cup has led players, excluding the elite few, to view potential transfers through the prism of their international aspirations.
If a player made a bold decision to join a reputable club but struggled to stay relevant, their spot on the national team could be jeopardized. Alternatively, if a player opted for a lucrative transfer to a less competitive league, the risk of fading from the awareness of their national manager looms large. With the World Cup on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher.
However, with the next World Cup still four years away, players can take risks, knowing they have ample time to navigate any unfavorable situations over four full seasons of club football.
As the transfer market heats up, several players from the U.S. men’s national team pool have already switched clubs, including a few who worked under Mauricio Pochettino this summer. ESPN takes a look at each transfer completed by a player in the USMNT pool and assigns a letter grade.
All fees are reported unless confirmed with an asterisk.
Aug. 4
Good news for American fans at Middlesbrough as Arfsten joins Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris at the North Yorkshire club. The 25-year-old is set to join Boro for $7.5 million, according to The Athletic, as the club vies for Premier League promotion.
Arfsten is a proficient two-footed attacker but has defensive limitations, requiring a club that can cover for him. Middlesbrough’s tactical setup, which often includes three defenders and attack-minded wingbacks, suits him well. Even in more conservative setups, he will have opportunities to advance from his left-back position.
He should have a solid chance to overtake Matt Targett as the primary left-back, showcasing his attacking skills for a team that performed well offensively in the Championship last season. If he can elevate his game, it could be pivotal for their promotion aspirations.
Arfsten was part of the U.S. World Cup team but saw limited action, playing just one minute. He remains a situational choice due to his atypical left-back style, but if he proves to be more defensively reliable while contributing to the attack, he could secure a larger role for Mauricio Pochettino, especially with Antonee Robinson nearing 30.
After a disappointing tenure at Gladbach, Reyna is looking to rejuvenate his career with a transfer to Strasbourg, marking his fourth club move since January 2024.
The former New York City FC academy standout was once regarded as the most gifted young talent in the U.S., showcasing his skills alongside Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund, but injuries have disrupted his progress, limiting his playtime significantly.
Despite his challenges, his innate skills catch the eye, leading clubs to continue taking chances on him. Pochettino’s controversial decision to include him in the World Cup squad paid off with a stunning trivela goal against Paraguay. His unique ball-handling ability is unparalleled among American players, and if he can stay fit, he would be an asset to both his club and the national team.
Reyna’s move to Strasbourg could be the perfect opportunity for recovery. The slower pace of Ligue 1 might offer a welcome change from the intensity of the Bundesliga and Premier League. The club, owned by Chelsea’s parent company, frequently channels players from the Premier League, but they haven’t acquired anyone in the attacking midfield role, potentially clearing the way for Reyna’s return to form.
Despite doubts about his consistency on the pitch, this move could pave the way for him to reestablish himself and showcase his tremendous talent, as long as his physique cooperates.
July 28
You might not expect the Whitecaps, leaders of the Western Conference and contenders for the Supporters’ Shield, to part with their star midfielder, especially for a reported fee of only $2 million, according to The Athletic. However, with Berhalter’s contract set to expire in December, the Whitecaps decided to capitalize on the opportunity.
This transfer places Berhalter in a promotion contest with Middlesbrough, who recently finished fifth and have made multiple signings from the proceeds of Hayden Hackney‘s move to Everton.
While Hackney’s departure presents Berhalter with opportunities to start regularly alongside fellow American Aidan Morris, it also raises expectations for him to step into the shoes of a talented player.
Berhalter’s strike precision and willingness to engage physically will be valuable assets in the Championship environment. The question remains whether he possesses the necessary endurance to maintain high-level performance in midfield throughout the match. This opportunity at Boro is a significant test for him.
If Berhalter shines in this role, he may secure a position in this year’s Premier League and establish himself as a regular contributor to the U.S. midfield.
July 9
Reynolds once appeared to be the future right-back option for the U.S., having made a mark as a teenager with FC Dallas before earning a transfer to AS Roma. However, subsequent opportunities have been scarce, as he made only six appearances in Serie A and has not donned the national team jersey since 2023. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old has steadily built a career in Europe and is now transferring from Westerlo in Belgium to Stade Rennais in France.
Reynolds can anticipate regular playing time at Rennais, which struggled to find a reliable right-back last season among a mix of out-of-position players. He is now entering as a seasoned right-back, capable of contributing to both a back-four and wingback in a three-defender formation.
Stade Rennais recently finished sixth in Ligue 1 and only two seasons ago were consistently competing in European competitions. This represents a significant development for Reynolds, an opportunity to challenge himself at an elevated level compared to his time at Roma. If he succeeds, he may well earn a return to the national team fold.
July 2
Kochen has long intrigued U.S. soccer fans, having emerged from Barcelona‘s famed La Masia academy, yet his professional experience has been limited to just 37 appearances for the B team. Now heading to Lyngby Boldklub in Denmark on loan, he has the opportunity for increased playing time this season.
Having just gained promotion to the Danish top league, Lyngby has already positioned Kochen to start as their goalkeeper. Consistent play is the priority for him this season.
The U.S. faced challenges with inconsistent goalkeeping during the World Cup, particularly with Matt Freese struggling. A reliable goalkeeper has eluded the national team since Tim Howard in 2014, so casting a wide net is essential for the future.
Kochen is part of this strategy. Although he has limited professional experience, he has participated at every youth national team level, and Mauricio Pochettino has included him in training camps. Barcelona even regarded him as their third goalkeeper last season. Now, at just 20, he is set to compete full-time in a serious European league.
If Kochen performs well at Lyngby, he could position himself for a promotion to a higher-level club next summer and potentially become the future goalkeeper for the U.S. He now has every opportunity to fulfill the expectations that have surrounded him for years.