GOAL grades every USMNT player who moved this summer and, just as important, those who stayed
And … exhale. The transfer window is closed.
The bulk of the business is concluded, and there was no shortage of transfer speculation and transfer consummation involving current and future U.S. men's national team stars.
(Side note: Hopefully, this time around, everyone got their paperwork done in time. Looking at you, Blackburn.)
It was a busy summer for Americans. The Copa America and Olympics dominated the headlines on the pitch, but throughout it all, some major moves were made – and many will have lasting effects that will ripple right on through the 2026 World Cup. With less than two years remaining before that tournament kicks off in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and Mauricio Pochettino expected to take over the USMNT helm, decision matters.
What should we make of some of the big swings USMNT stars took this summer? What about the players who made leaps from MLS to Europe? And what about those who stayed, opting to turn down opportunities to leave their current clubs to fight for a place?
GOAL answers those questions, grades every USMNT player who moved this summer and – just as important – grades those didn't.
Getty ImagesTanner Tessman: Lyon
The former FC Dallas midfielder earned a big move to Lyon with his play for both Venezia and the U.S. U23 squad, and this is exactly the type of transfer that could result in an improved standing in the USMNT midfield picture.
Lyon is a big club, and they clearly believe that Tessmann is a player who can contribute, present and future. He pulled all the strings with the U23s this past summer, but Ligue 1 is a different caliber of test. If he passes that, the other USMNT midfielders will be put on notice.
GRADE: A
AdvertisementGettyMark McKenzie: Toulouse
Mark McKenzie had gotten all he could out of Genk, so Ligue 1 is a logical step up. This move to Toulouse could turn out to be a valuable proving ground for McKenzie, who is looking to go from fringe player to USMNT regular. There were some other major teams listed, but Toulouse seems like exactly the right-sized step.
All indications are that he'll start, which is always the first thing to look at when a player moves up the sports' hierarchy. Now, it's up to McKenzie to get better and, ultimately, perform. If successful, he'll improve his USMNT stock.
GRADE: A
GettySergino Dest: PSV
After his catastrophic ACL injury, it seemed as if Sergino Dest could be left in limbo this summer. He was only on loan at PSV and, with a long recovery time ahead of him, his future was uncertain.
PSV showed commitment, though. Despite the injury, they made a move to permanently sign Dest from Barcelona, keeping him with the team. It shows just how much they value the USMNT right-back. The fact that they're willing to pay and wait speaks volumes.
We'll see how Dest looks when he's healthy, but he's clearly at a club that values him, which is all a player can really ask for.
GRADE: A
Getty ImagesMalik Tillman: PSV
Compared to Dest, this was more of a no-brainer for PSV. Malik Tillman put up double-digit assists to know with nine goals. Any team would love that level of production from a 22-year-old rising star. Given the opportunity to sign him permanently, they had to take it.
Realistically, Tillman probably won't be at PSV forever. He's going to develop and someone will snap him up. For now, though, it's the perfect club for him to continue to develop before an inevitable move elsewhere.
GRADE: A
