The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool
With the Gold Cup over and the summer transfer window open, clubs are charging ahead in preparation for the 2025-26 season, as European leagues kick off in late July or early to mid-August.
For several USMNT players, that means finding a new club or weighing offers – each with the same goal: playing regular top-level soccer to boost their 2026 World Cup chances.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner's reported move to Lyon in France was handed a major boost this week, while teammate Tim Weah could be set to join him in Ligue 1, as the Juventus winger is reportedly pushing for a move to Marseille. In England, English Championship side Derby County is looking to wrap up a deal for Patrick Agyemang, while rivals for promotion this fall, Portsmouth, are reportedly eyeing U.S. youth international Griffin Yow to bolster their attacking ranks. Meanwhile, if both are to sign in the Championship, they'll be joined by striker Damion Downs, who completed a move to Southampton on Wednesday.
Other deals in the works around Europe include midfielders Yunus Musah and Johnny Cardoso, striker Josh Sargent, and new to the mix, winger Diego Luna, who is supposedly the subject of interest from Spain. Notably, two high-profile teenagers in Europe were handed new deals in recent weeks, too, as U20 goalkeeper Julian Eyestone was locked down by Brentford, and defender Noahkai Banks secured a long-term deal with Augsburg.
GOAL tracks all of the American player movements in the USMNT Transfer Notebook, a recurring feature covering the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.
Getty Images SportWeah to return to Ligue 1?
After reportedly turning down a potential transfer to Nottingham Forest in June after Juventus and the Premier League side seemingly came to a transfer agreement, Weah now has his heart set on a return to Ligue 1, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Olympique Marseille is reportedly interested in the 25-year-old American, and the striker "wants" to join the ranks of Roberto De Zerbi's men, returning to France. Weah previously played for both Paris Saint-Germain and LOSC Lille in Ligue 1, before completing a move to Juventus in Italy ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Weah and Marseille have a "basic agreement" already, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, and the two clubs and Weah are ready to advance with talks around a potential transfer.
If he were to sign for Marseille, he would be playing in the UEFA Champions League next season with the club that finished second in the Ligue 1 standings.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTurner to Lyon gets big boost
In early June, it was announced that Nottingham Forest, Lyon, and Matt Turner were all in advanced conversations around the American signing for the French club on a permanent transfer this summer. However, shortly after the initial news broke, it was announced that Lyon were set to be automatically relegated to Ligue 2 by the National Management Control Directorate (DNCG) after securing a debt reportedly north of $500M.
News broke on Wednesday that the decision was overturned amid a successful appeal from Lyon, and they will remain in Ligue 1 in the 2025-26 season. With that, the news surrounding a potential move for Turner was handed a major boost as well, as the USMNT goalkeeper looks to secure regular first-team minutes and compete in European soccer this coming campaign.
The deal is not official, but with Wednesday's news, transfer gossip will only heat up with the club.
Getty ImagesAgyemang prepping for England move
Charlotte FC's star forward and Mauricio Pochettino's starting striker for the USMNT during the Gold Cup is on the verge of signing for Derby County in England, according to multiple reports. The English Championship side approached CLT FC with an $8 million bid last week, and now, with the midsummer CONCACAF competition wrapped, his time in MLS all but appears to be over.
BBC Derby reported Wednesday that Agyemang is undergoing a medical with the club in the United States this week, and if all goes well, the two clubs and the U.S. international will put pen to paper over the deal.
Agyemang, 24, started all six matches for the USMNT at the Gold Cup this summer, scoring two goals.
Getty ImagesPortsmouth make a play for Yow
Griffin Yow, who impressed with the U.S. Olympic team in the 2024 Paris Games, is reportedly set to leave Belgian side Westerlo this summer, and English Championship side Portsmouth has emerged as the top contender for his signature. Anderlecht were previously linked, and several Eredivisie sides are also monitoring the situation, according to the latest report.
Yow, 22, was a breakout player for the U.S. in Paris last summer, but has yet to make his senior USMNT debut for the national team.
"I'm someone who is always striving for more," Yow recently told GOAL about transfer buzz this summerin an exclusive interview. "I don't just accept that this is my level. I feel good here, yes. I'm comfortable here, for sure, but I'm also someone who wants to reach the next step and challenge myself. My goal is to play in the Champions League, to play in the World Cup, and to face these top-tier teams in the world. If a better situation comes, then yes, there would be no doubt in my mind, but it has to be a better situation. I'm ready for the next step, for sure, but it has to be the right one."
If any deal comes about this summer with Westerlo, MLS side D.C. United will receive a 35 percent sell-on fee from the transfer.
