The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool
Less than a week from the start of the CONCACAF Gold Cup and just days out from the FIFA Club World Cup, the transfer rumor mill is heating up. For the USMNT, it’s a pivotal summer. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is looking to rebound from a disappointing Nations League campaign, while his players aim to solidify their place in the squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For some, that means securing a move this summer to continue their development. For others, it’s about staying put and maintaining strong form at the club level. The stakes are high — a misstep could derail momentum, while the right decision might bring them one step closer to next summer’s roster.
Josh Sargent is someone between a rock and a hard place. Pochettino elected not to select him for the Gold Cup after a rather disastrous performance in the Nations League, but for Norwich City across the 2024-25 season, he was nothing short of brilliant. Now, he appears to be one of the most coveted U.S. internationals, with transfer interest from the Premier League and a top-six Serie A side. If both options arise, though, what's the best choice for him?
Domestically, Orlando City SC's 20-year-old fullback Alex Freeman, who earned his first cap with the USMNT on Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Turkey, is also the subject of interest from Italy. Meanwhile, the Crew's Max Arfsten – who also started against Turkey – has been linked with a move to France, with Columbus having reportedly already turned down a substantial offer for him.
Then, a bombshell Monday evening revealed that Matt Turner has reportedly agreed to move to Ligue 1 side Lyon, departing Nottingham Forest. Is it a good transfer? Perhaps, but there is a major issue that needs to be resolved before anything can be determined.
Others, like Paxten Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and Johnny Cardoso, are also subject to potential moves this summer, but have seen little movement over the past week.
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.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportJosh Sargent's big summer
After missing out on the Gold Cup squad, it quickly became apparent that Sargent needs to improve if he wants to make the World Cup squad next year. As talented as he is, he has not scored internationally since 2019 – a streak extending nearly six years – and Pochettino made a statement with his exclusion this summer.
As a result, it's expected that Sargent leaves Norwich City, and teams are already on notice.
Newly promoted side Leeds United are reportedly interested in his services, per SkySports. If the were to add Sargent to their ranks, he would join fellow American Brenden Aaronson in the squad, while being the fourth U.S. international to sign for the club in the past five years, along with Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. It would be a risky move, but ownership has stated they're willing to do what it takes to become a regular in England's top division.
Sargent is also reportedly the subject of interest from Serie A side Roma, where he would play Europa League soccer on top of joining a top team in Italy.
Working under a manager like Gian Piero Gasperini has to be enticing for a player, especially a striker, too. He turned Italian national team forward Mateo Retegui into a star at Atalanta, while bringing them back into Serie A contention.
For Sargent, it comes down to what he believes is the best fit – but on paper – if an opportunity at Roma were to arise, it would be hard to see him pass.
AdvertisementImagnTurner's next move
Well, it's been one hell of a journey for Matt Turner so far – so it might as well continue.
Reports surfaced Monday evening that he has reportedly agreed a deal to sign with Ligue 1 giants Lyon, where he would be the No. 1 goalkeeper for the 2025-26 season, assuming their transfer plans play out correctly. What's key there, though, is everything playing out the way Lyon intends.
Current No. 1 Lucas Perri is expected to depart Lyon this summer, with reports indicating his imminent departure. However, until he officially leaves the club, it remains a high-risk move for Turner. The 30-year-old simply cannot afford to be a backup for another season after a struggle-filled 2024-25 campaign. He needs starting-caliber minutes at a top club no matter what.
If Perri does depart, it feels like a brilliant move. Lyon made a terrific 2024-25 Europa League run and is competing in the competition once again next season. It would give Turner his first taste of European football at that level, while testing him against some of the world's best. He would also link up with Tanner Tessmann at the club, adding another American combo in Europe to the USMNT pool.
Getty ImagesMusah heading to Naples?
Another surprise move could come between two Serie A rivals, with AC Milan’s Yunus Musah reportedly drawing interest from Italian champions Napoli.
Musah’s potential has never been in question — he’s been considered one to watch for several years — but he’s struggled with inconsistency since joining the Rossoneri nearly two years ago. Some of that stems from instability at the club, where he’s played under three different managers and could soon be working with a fourth in Max Allegri — if a transfer doesn’t materialize.
It will be interesting to see where Musah might fit on a Napoli side whose midfield duo of Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour helped lead them to the title. The competition for minutes will be real, but not insurmountable — and for a still-developing player, a move to a more stable environment could be just what he needs after a turbulent year at Milan. It also certainly helps for his national team chances that he would be playing Champions League football if the move goes through.
GettyFreeman's European interest
Alex Freeman is a name that USMNT fans are just beginning to know, but his rise has been so fast, it's catching the eyes of Europe, too. The Orlando City defender is reportedly catching the eyes of multiple clubs in Serie A, the English Championship, and recently promoted ones in the English Premier League.
All three of Burnley, Sunderland, and Leeds United were promoted this past campaign. Per reports, Orlando declined an opening $2.2M bid from Serie A side Parma – but they're expected to return with a second bid. Parma's ownership is American, led by the Krause Group.
Son of NFL Super Bowl champion Antonio, Alex has started 14 games for Orlando this MLS season, and is one of the league's brightest young stars.
A potential breakout candidate for the U.S. during the Gold Cup, the 20-year-old fullback is expected to fill the gap of Sergino Dest on the roster – and if he does impress, it could lead to a big summer move.
