The dust has barely settled on a whirlwind European transfer window, and for fans of the United States men’s national team (USMNT), the drama has only just begun. As the 2025 summer transfer season slammed shut, American players found themselves at the heart of some of the continent’s most intriguing moves—and, in a couple of cases, puzzling non-moves. With the 2026 World Cup on home soil now just nine months away, every decision, every loan, and every permanent transfer could play a pivotal role in shaping the USMNT’s fortunes on the world stage.
Let’s dive into the major USMNT-related transfer activity, grade the deals, and examine what it all means for the players, their clubs, and the national team’s World Cup prospects.
Yunus Musah: Milan to Atalanta (Loan with Option to Buy)
Yunus Musah’s summer was anything but straightforward. Early on, Milan made it clear Musah wasn’t in their plans, leaving the American midfielder in limbo for much of the window. Deadline day finally brought resolution: a loan move to Atalanta for a $4.7 million fee, with an option to buy for $28 million. While Musah’s talent is undeniable, Atalanta’s rocky start to the season—draws against Parma and Pisa under new manager Ivan Juric—casts a shadow over his prospects. Still, if Musah can hit the ground running, he could be the spark Atalanta desperately needs. But let’s be honest: there’s a bit of anxiety here. If things go south, this promising move could sour quickly. For now, the jury’s out—grade: Incomplete.
Brenden Aaronson: Staying at Leeds United
Sometimes, the biggest moves are the ones that don’t happen. Brenden Aaronson, a regular during Leeds’ Championship campaign, now finds himself on the fringes in the Premier League. With just 80 minutes played across three matches, he’s slipped down the pecking order. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a player who notched nine goals and two assists last season. Leeds’ decision to retool the lineup in hopes of Premier League survival makes sense, but for Aaronson, a lack of playing time could spell trouble for his World Cup ambitions. As one USMNT observer put it, "Brenden Aaronson could definitely benefited from a move." Grade: D.
Paxton Aaronson: Eintracht Frankfurt to Colorado Rapids
Paxton Aaronson’s permanent move to the Colorado Rapids for $7 million raised more than a few eyebrows. At just 22, Aaronson had a shot at breaking into Frankfurt’s rotation and maybe even tasting Champions League football. Instead, he opted for a designated player spot in Major League Soccer. Sure, being a starter in MLS beats bench-warming in Europe, but the hope is that this move is a springboard back to the continent. Still, the consensus is clear: this transfer is a bit of a head-scratcher. Grade: C.
Josh Sargent: Stays at Norwich City
Linked with a return to the Bundesliga and Wolfsburg, Josh Sargent instead chose stability at Norwich City. And boy, did he make the most of it—six goals in five Championship appearances have made him the hottest American striker in England. The decision to stay has divided USMNT fans, but with form like this, Sargent could be knocking on the Premier League’s door soon enough. As the most in-form striker in the USMNT pool, he’s positioned himself as a key figure heading into the World Cup. Grade: A.
Matt Turner: Lyon to New England Revolution (Loan)
Matt Turner’s journey this summer was a whirlwind: from Nottingham Forest to Lyon, then back to New England Revolution on loan. With the USMNT’s goalkeeping situation far from settled, Turner’s move back to familiar territory ensures he’ll see regular action. While some might argue that starting at Lyon would have been ideal, the security of minutes in MLS could be just what he needs to solidify his spot as the national team’s number one. Grade: C.
Malik Tillman: PSV to Bayer Leverkusen
Malik Tillman’s $41 million transfer from PSV to Bayer Leverkusen was one of the window’s headline moves. With Florian Wirtz off to Liverpool, Leverkusen needed a creative spark, and Tillman looked set to fill that void. But football’s a cruel game—after just two matches, manager Erik ten Hag was fired. Tillman has already found the net for his new club, but the coaching upheaval leaves his role in flux. He’s also been left out of the latest USMNT squad, giving him time to regain full fitness. The expectation is that he’ll play a central role moving forward, but for now, the situation is… well, developing. Grade: Incomplete.
Tim Weah: Juventus to Olympique Marseille (Loan with Obligation to Buy)
Tim Weah never quite cracked the starting XI at Juventus, but his loan move to Marseille represents a fresh start—and a return to France. Under Roberto De Zerbi, Weah is set to play in his favored forward position, a big win for both club and country. With Marseille still in European competition, Weah will have the chance to sharpen his game and remain a vital cog in the USMNT machine. Grade: A.
Johnny Cardoso: Real Betis to Atletico Madrid
Johnny Cardoso’s $34.8 million move to Atletico Madrid is widely seen as a deserved step up. A versatile midfielder, Cardoso has already become a regular starter under Diego Simeone, even as Atleti have stumbled out of the gates with no wins in three matches. The pressure’s on for the club to turn things around, but Cardoso’s presence in the lineup is a positive sign for his development and USMNT prospects. Grade: C.
Gio Reyna: Borussia Dortmund to Borussia Mönchengladbach
Few transfers generated as much buzz as Gio Reyna’s switch from Borussia Dortmund to Borussia Mönchengladbach for $8.7 million. Joining fellow American Joe Scally, Reyna is seeking a career reboot after a challenging spell at Dortmund. The move keeps him in a familiar city and offers a clean slate. If Reyna can earn regular minutes and stay healthy, his talent could be a game-changer for both club and country. As one commentator noted, "Gio Reyna is finally at a new club, and he didn't even have to leave the city." Grade: A.
Benjamin Cremaschi: Inter Miami to Parma
While not a headline-grabber, Benjamin Cremaschi’s move to Parma raised eyebrows, especially as he was considered second choice to Gio Reyna. The move is seen as puzzling by some, but only time will tell if it pays off.
As the Premier League flexed its financial muscle, American stars largely steered clear of England this window, instead opting for fresh starts and bigger roles across Europe’s top leagues. With the World Cup looming, these moves will be closely watched. Will stability and playing time trump the allure of bigger clubs? Or will some players rue missed opportunities?
One thing’s for sure: the coming months will reveal which of these gambles pay off, and which doors have closed for good. As the USMNT gears up for a home World Cup, every transfer, every minute on the pitch, and every managerial shakeup could make all the difference.
