Sunday December 3, 2023

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
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

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
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi looks on before taking a free-kick against New York City during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium.

Inter Miami Already Sold Out 2024 Season Tickets

Miami saw a 1,215% surge in demand even after prices almost doubled.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts tosses the ball to fans after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Philadelphia Eagles Continue To Be NFL’s Biggest Draw

Philadelphia was once again in one of the NFL's most-watched games.
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023.

Football Dominates Thanksgiving, With A Side Of Basketball

Fox earned its highest viewership for college basketball ever.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young hugs team owner David Tepper on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

David Tepper’s Reign Marred by Firings

Between the Panthers and Charlotte FC, Tepper has fired five head coaches.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

CFP Looking to Super Bowl for Media Rights Plan

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Brett Favre
November 27, 2023

Favre Welfare Case Hold-Up? "AG’s Office Has Not Expressed Interest In Pursuing"

The DOJ interviewed Brett Favre in early 2020.
The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers

Ohtani's Future Deal Takes Center Stage As Winter Meetings Kick Off

The two-way phenom is expected to sign the largest-ever player contract in U.S. team sports.
November 30, 2023

Tracking Devices and Bags of Cash: A Soccer Scandal in Turkey

Former Atletico Madrid player Arda Turan is involved in the scandal.
Shaquille O'Neal
exclusive
December 1, 2023

A.I. Shaq? Authentic Files Trademarks Hinting at Virtual Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal and licensing group claim “ASK SHAQ” and “SHAQ A.I.”
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
November 30, 2023

Ronaldo Sued For $1B In Latest Fallout From Athlete Crypto Deals

Soccer superstar latest to be hit in legal fallout from crypto decline.
Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands celebrates his victory of the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 30, 2023

The 10 Highest-Paid Formula 1 Drivers For 2023

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen tops the list with $70 million.
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi smiles as he walks on the field against the New York Red Bulls during the second half at Red Bull Arena.
November 16, 2023

The Results of Messi Mania Are In

A million people per match tuned in for Messi and Inter Miami.
Rory McIlroy reacts to his putt on the third green during the third round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament at East Lake Golf Club.
November 15, 2023

Rory McIlroy Resigns From PGA Tour Policy Board

The 34-year-old served on the Board for two years.