• Loading stock data...
Thursday, December 12, 2024
The 2024 Best Employers in Sports Award winners have been announced! See the full list of winners

Dest, Pulisic Lead Way For Increasing U.S. Soccer Player Value

  • The $73.1 million transfer of Christian Pulisic to Chelsea in 2019 has opened doors to the English Premier League for Americans.
  • Pulisic is the highest-paid American soccer player yet.
Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports

The past seven years have been nothing short of monumental for American soccer. American players are making a headway in the world of soccer by signing with big European clubs but with bigger fees than their predecessors. 

There are now almost 30 Americans playing in Europe, the most there has ever been. 

The historic transfer of Christian Pulisic from the Bundesliga’s Borussia Dortmund to the Premier League’s Chelsea at a record price of $73.1 million in 2019 perked up ears of the international soccer leagues. The 22-year old attacker is the highest-paid American soccer player, helping Americans gain reputation in the broader market and increasing soccer visibility at home. 

Young American players are getting more minutes in their respective clubs and more opportunities to prove themselves in places where very few Americans ventured previously. The trend suggests that American players are branching out all across Europe — opening access on the other side of the pond. 

Another young American that has been making headwinds is Sergiño Dest. The 19-year-old right back recently transferred to Spanish La Liga giant FC Barcelona from Ajax in October, sealing a five-year contract. His transfer fee was $25 million.

Dest’s move also follows Weston McKennie, the 21-year-old who went on loan from Bundesliga’s Schalke 04 to nine-time defending Italian Serie A champion Juventus in September. McKennie became only the third player to appear in Serie A when he debuted in the club’s season opener last month.

Most recently, Philadelphia Union’s 19-year-old star midfeilder Brenden Aaronson will be transferring to Austria’s FC Salzburg after this season. Although Major League Soccer has not revealed the specific terms of the agreement, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Salzburg will pay a $6 million transfer fee plus up to $3 million performance bonuses.

But before Dest and Pulisic, it was John Brooks who transferred from Bundesliga’s Hertha Berlin to Wolfsburg for $18.7 million in 2017. The then 24-year old Brooks was the first U.S. soccer player to have transferred for such a hefty fee.

More American soccer players are playing important roles in European soccer leagues as the U.S. men’s soccer continues to grow. And as European teams start to embrace younger players, the subsequent quality of the players in the U.S. will also rise along with bigger and better brand deals following them. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bill Belichick to Take College Plunge at North Carolina

UNC made the official announcement late Wednesday.

NFL Scheduling Gambit Pays Off With Two Blockbuster Sunday Games

The Week 15 schedule has a game pairing seen only once since 1970.
Nov 3, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Lewis Morgan (9) heads a ball during the first half against the Columbus Crew in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Red Bull Arena.

MLS Team to Play in ‘Sports Illustrated Stadium’ in $100M Naming Deal

It’s a partnership with a sister ticketing platform company, not the magazine.
Oct 20, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie pre game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Bills, Eagles, Dolphins Approve Adding New Minority Owners

Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady join the list of Bills owners.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Dec 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to pass against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half at Kaseya Center.

Heat Open to Jimmy Butler Trades, but Here’s Why Deal Will Be..

The Heat are reportedly “open” to hearing trade offers for Butler.
Aaron Rodgers
December 9, 2024

A Jets–Aaron Rodgers Divorce Could Get Expensive

The Jets could end up with $49 million or more in dead money.
Caitlin Clark
December 10, 2024

Caitlin Clark Is Next Up for Taylor Swift With the Eras Tour..

Swift told Clark she and Travis Kelce want to watch the Fever.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto Agrees to Groundbreaking $765 Million Mets Deal

Unlike Ohtani’s Dodgers deal, the Soto contract reportedly contains no deferred money.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto’s $700M Question Looms Over MLB Winter Meetings

Soto, Hall of Fame picks, and the draft lottery highlight the gathering.
Luis Severino
December 5, 2024

Mere $67 Million for Pitcher Is Largest Deal in A’s History 

Severino had a strong season with the Mets after a tough 2023.
Jewell Loyd
December 5, 2024

Jewell Loyd Asks Out of Storm After Investigation Finds No Wrongdoing

Loyd reportedly filed the complaint of harassment and bullying by the coaches.