Contracts: USYNT Gboly Ariyibi Could Find Himself at Rotherham United in England's Championship

As has been reported earlier today, Alan Stubb's the manager at Championship side Rotherham United has expressed interest in Gboly Ariyibi, who is currently under contract with Chesterfield in League One.  Stubb's has looked at Ariyibi before when he was manager of Scottish team Hibernians, but reportedly where slow to move and lost out.

The South Yorkshire newspaper The Star is reporting the goings on

"Ariyibi's agent would only confirm to the Derbyshire Times that they are in talks with Chesterfield over a new, extended deal."

The Star says

"His current contract runs out at the end of next season.Last season Ariyibi set out to play more regular football and did so, making 41 appearances.At times he looked unplayable in League One and was involved in 10 goals, scoring three of those himself."

More on this as it play's out

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CONTRACTS: Rumors Abound for Released Americans in England

Photo: The.Examiner (UK)

The number of Americans playing in England took a hit with the end-of-season retained lists seeing some of our guys without teams going into silly season. There has been some movement/news over the past few days though about 3 of them;

According to Torquay's Herald Express, goalkeeper Brendan Moore is their number one target for the upcoming season. Brendan, the report states, is in the US checking out possibilities of signing with MLS. Brendan (24) is from Atlanta, so hooking up with his hometown MLS expansion team would probably be his target, although no news has come out of the Atlanta FC United camp - and seeing as the very first signing by the club was goalkeeper Alexander Tambakis, it seems unlikely that Brendan will get the starting job that he desires.....I'm guessing that there is more to come on this story very soon.

Duane Holmes was released by Huddersfield last month, but if reports are true he seems to be on the radar of a few clubs already. Charlton Athletic have him high on their list, and incidentally, new coach Russel Slade was targeting Duane before he signed (today) with the Addicks. Most have Charlton as his final destination. Duane also trialed with Barnsley and remain in the mix, although not much has been said since his April trial. Then there's Portsmouth who are also interested, although most pundits believe this is the least likely spot for Duane to end up. "Pompey boss Paul Cook is keen on American-born attacking talent" according to reports.

Another goalkeeper looking around this summer is Cody Cropper, released by MK Don's. MLS Soccer is reporting that the US U23 net-minder is exploring a MLS option with Minnesota and Atlanta (both expansion teams and both city's where Cody has ties)

Silly Season. It all begins on July 1st when the summer version of "Silly Season" starts - keep checking here for updates / rumors /and actual signings.

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CONTRACTS: Fleetwood Release Both of its American Goalkeepers

Brendan Moore at Torquay United

US Goalkeepers Brendan Moore and Alex Gogic have both fallen foul of the end of season bug in England.

Aleksander Gogic at Nike Academy

Fleetwood Town has released both American Goalkeepers, Brendan Moore (24) from Elmira NY, who was loaned out to Torquay United, in the middle of last season, and had a stellar season, 12 starts 6 Shut-outs, returned off loan to be jobless. Alex Gogic (20), who is one of the young upcoming Goalkeepers, a Nike Academy and NY Red Bull Alum provided backup to the starting netminder, all season long, was also released

Both players are young and should have successful Careers ahead of them

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CONTRACTS: GK Cody Cropper Released by MK Don's

Photo: MKDons.com

The annual  'clean-out' continues, as British clubs pare down their squad sizes and and start the process of rebuilding for next season. We have seen a few Americans fall along the way, over the past few days Zak Whitbread and Jon-Paul Pittman have been released, now goalkeeper Cody Cropper join's the list.

According to the MK Don's web-site, the club has decided not to exercise its contract with Cody when it expires at the end of June. 

"Cropper joined the Dons as a free agent last summer and made 12 appearances during the 2015/16 campaign, nine of which came in the Sky Bet Championship"

Cody, who is still only 23,  came up through the Ipswich Town program, before moving to Southampton in August of 2012. He stayed with Southampton until last season when he moved last July to MK Don's as a free agent.  Cody represented the US in the U20 and U23 levels and was included in Jurgen Klinsmann's 23 man Confederation Cup squad.

According to SBI, Cody has stated a desire to return to the US, possibly with Atlanta (his home town) or Minnesota, both MLS Expansion teams

Good Luck in the future to Cody

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CONTRACTS: Jon-Paul Pittman Released by Grimsby Town

Grimsby Town have made there retention list public, and Jon-Paul Pittman is leaving the team. According to the Grimsby Telegraph;

Jon-Paul Pittman was the first released by Grimsby Town after posting a goodbye message to fans on his Facebook page.

The 29-year-old from Oklahoman made 33 appearances in total this season, including substitute cameos in both the Play-Off Final and the FA Trophy Final. Scoring 6 goals.

He wrote on Facebook: "Loved my time as a Mariner. All the best to everyone associated with GTFC and I hope you supporters get to watch some entertaining football back in the League! What a ride! UTMM"

Sorry to see this happen, hopefully Jon-Paul will bounce back with another team next season,
Good Luck Jon-Paul

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CONTRACTS: Zak Whitbread released by Shrewsbury in England

Yup  that's Clint Dempsey at Fulham and Zak Whitbread, Norwich, as they battle in the EPL

The linchpin of last season's defensive corp at England's League One Shrewsbury Town, Zak Whitbread, has been released by the team in its annual retention listing.

Zak joined Shrewsbury in September 2015 (his contract is up May 30), its uncertain what Zak, now 32, will do in the coming years. Zak played 21 times in the league this past season plus an additional 5 times in the FA Cup.

The early years at Liverpool

Houston TX. Zak started his career at Liverpool, working through the ranks, U18, U21, and appeared twice for the senior squad before being loaned out to Millwall a couple of times, which ultimately led to his sale to Millwall and 4 pretty successful years at the London club where he was a fan favorite. After that Zak represented Norwich, Leicester City, Derby and then Shrewsbury. Zak represented the USA twice in the senior squad and 6 times at the U20 level.

Good Luck to Zak, lets hope he finds a new club soon.

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TRANSFERS: USYNT Forward Haji Wright Joins Schalke in Germany

Photo: soccerwire.com

USYNT U18 forward Haji Wright, has reached his 18th birthday (today - 3-27). So his age restriction is lifted, and he will now be able to join FC Schalke 04 in Germany. Haji will start the next step in his career playing for FC Schalke 04 U19, in the Junioren Bundesliga West. (Which is the same junior league that Christian Pulisic started in for Dortmund)

Haji, from Los Angeles, played for the New York Cosmos in 2015, and has represented the USA at U15, U17, & U18. He is expected to officially join FC Schalke 04 tomorrow (3/28)

Haji joins the group of notable USYNT** players who are with European clubs .

• Matthew Olosunde - Manchester United
• Joshua Perez - Fiorentina
• Danny Barbir - West Bromwich Albion
• Luca de la Torre - Fulham
• Christian Pulisic - Dortmund
• Will Pulisic - Dortmund
• Haji Wright - Schalke

**I believe that all the above are/or were U17 USYNT players - good job guys

Good Luck to Haji at Schalke
 
 

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TRANSFERS: Paul Torres Signs with IK Sirius in Sweden Superettan

Photo: Big Soccer    Paul Torres at Nykoping

UMD alum, 24 year old Mid-fielder Paul Torres has signed for IK Sirius in Sweden's Superettan (2nd tier). This was a free transfer.

Paul is no stranger to Scandinavia, having left Univ. of Maryland for Nykoping in Sweden. After 2 years he moved to Landskrona,  before trying his luck in Norway with Sandnes, before his contract expired in January this year.

Paul, who is a dual US/Ven also spent some time with DC United in 2011.  Paul will join long time Sirius US defender Patrick Hopkins in their squad

Good Luck to Paul from the DMV

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TRANSFERS: Center Back Joseph Jackson signs for Drogheda United in League of Ireland

US Center Back Joseph Jackson has moved to the Republic of Ireland and signed with Droghega in the League of Ireland (2nd tier).
Here is what Droghega United's web-site says about him;

American defender Joe Jackson has signed for the club having featured for them in their pre-season programme. Jackson put pen to paper with the club having played domestic football in his native America prior to arriving in Ireland. The centre-back will add depth to the club’s defensive area ahead of their bid to gain promotion from the second tier.
Following his signing, Mahon said: “Joe has been training with us for the last few weeks. He has impressed us greatly since then which culminated in a very solid performance against Cork City (pre-season) last week.” “Joe is a commanding centre-back and will be a big presence for us next season,” Mahon added.

Joseph (Joe) Jackson came up the most unlikely way, playing in a small program at West Virginia Tech ( a USCAA School) , then in the US PDL for Southern West Virginia. He trialed at Woodbridge Strikers' in the League 1 Ontario.

"He went for a trial and impressed," said Woodbridge head coach, Peter Pinizzotto.
"He's a big guy, 6' 4", and they (Droghega)are using him as a centre-back whereas we primarily used him as a centre-forward," he added.
"They need big players in that position in that league. I was not surprised he signed in Ireland where they play an aerial and very physical game."

Joe has been in the 18 for Drogheda for their 1st two games - expect to see him starting soon.

Good Luck Joe.

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TRANSFERS: USYNT Zach Kobayashi Signs With Dinamo Zagreb

18 year old mid-fielder, Zach Kobayashi signed for Croatian powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb at the beginning of March. Zach has already played his first game with the U19's debuting for Dinamo Zagreb U19 Friday in their 2:0 win over Hrvatski Dragovoljac.

Zach has played for FC Concordia Basel in Switzerland's 1 Liga (Group 2) where he appeared twice in 2015

Good Luck to Zach

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CONTRACTS: Hoffenheim U21, Russell Canouse, Moves Up to Senior Squad

Photo: Hoffenheim Web Site

20 year old, Lancaster Pennsylvania Mid-Fielder Russell Canouse has been offered a special opportunity, as he continues his  climb through the ranks at Hoffenheim. According to Kicker.de the German Magazine & on-line tracker of everything German football, Russell will get the opportunity to appear with the senior squad, as injuries pile up. (Could be as early as this weekend as Wolfsburg visit the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar-Arena.)

Russell came through the Hoffenheim system, starting in 2012, with the U17, U19, U21 (Hoffenheim II who play in Regionalliga - 14 games, 1 Goal)) and now looks set for the Seniors. Russell has appeared 12 times (1 Goal) for the USA U21 team. (he missed the USA U20 World Cup Team in 2015 due to an ankle injury)

We wish Russell all the luck as he steps center stage in Germany

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CONTRACTS: Walker Zimmerman Decides Against Europe

Photo: AJC.com

We had reported that FC Dallas defender Walker Zimmerman was exploring opportunities in Europe. Well it seems that speculation can br put to rest, as today Walker re-signed with Dallas.

Walker had trials at Viking in Norway and IFK Goteborg in Sweden, and possibly others

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Huge Day for Young Americans in Europe

Three Americans, all at or below 20 years old, made news worthy appearances today.

• Everyone knows by now about, 20 year old, Matt Miazga move to English Premier League's  Chelsea, which is now completed

• The first senior squad showing for 17 year old Christian Pulisic, the 6th youngest player to play in Bundesliga, in Dortmund's win over Ingolstadt

• And totally overlooked, because of those to events, 19 year old Joel Sonora's first appearance for Stuttgart's 3.Liga team.

I can't remember a day when 3 such momentus stories appeared on one day. So where from now? Obviously this is tremendous news for US Soccer, for MLS only 1 of the three featured.

Matt Miazga transfer is complete

Matt Miazga who is a USA/Poland dual (although declared for USA) is a product of the NYRB Academy, and has played for the USA at, U18, U20, U23 & Senior (he also played for Poland U18) As for club experience , he has only played for NYRB.

Pulisic vs Ingolstadt (Home) [DEBUT] 15/16 720p by guba1a from Daniel Gubala on Vimeo.

Christian Pulisic, who is a USA/Croatian dual, has spent his time in Germany within the Borussia Dortmund program, playing for their U17 and U19 teams before playing today for the senior squad.

Christian represented the USA at U15 & U17 levels (Christian played for the U17's at age 14/9months) Like Matt Miazga, only represented one club

Joel Sonora with Boca Jrs.(left)

Joel Sonora, who is a USA/Argentina dual, came through the Boca Jrs. system (with Atletico de Lujan, Club Atlético Boca Juniors - 2011-2015)started 2016 with Boca Jrs. U20 team before transferring to Stuttgart, where he is set to play in there 3.Liga side Stuttgart II. Joel has represented the USA, debuting in 2014, at the U20 level, he last appeared in the U20 World Cup squad, playing in 4 of the 5 games that the USA appeared in.

CONGRATULATIONS to all three

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CONTRACTS: John Brooks Signs Contract Extension with Hertha

Photo: HerthaBSC.de

According to Hertha's Twitter account John Brooks has signed a contract extension, putting an end to transfer rumors (for now)

Some good news after the disappointing draw. John Anthony Brooks has signed a new contract with the club #hahohe

— Hertha English (@HerthaBSC_EN) January 30, 2016

 Good news indeed.

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RUMOR: SPOX.com Report Hannover 96 Interested in Jermaine Jones

photo: BigSoccer.com

Definitely in the realm of 'rumor' German outfit SPOX.com are reporting that Bundesliga team Hannover 96 the SPOX.com (a German Digital Media Company) report; <Translation>

"The US sports network ESPN reported Friday that Jones had inquiries from the Bundesliga. One of the interested parties is to SPOX information Hannover 96th..

The team after the transfer of Iver Fossum, Hotaru Yamaguchi, Marius Wolf, Adam Szalai and Hugo Almeida are still looking for reinforcements"..

Jones played for Schalke 04, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen 165 times in the Bundesliga, scoring nine goals. After his time in Germany, Jones first tried in Turkey for Besiktas and then moved to New England in the MLS."

New England Soccer Today, a New England soccer blog, are also reporting this, based on the SPOX article. They are quoting Jermaine Jones as saying;

“Now, I have good offers. I want to go back to Germany. At the end of they day, they don’t give me the chance to go. It’s tough for a guy like me that wants to play. If they don’t value my level here in the United Stats, then I want to go back to Europe, where the people respect that and offered me a good contract. That makes me mad.”

That Jermaine is not likely to rejoin New England Revolution seems fairly clear...the SPOX.com/Hannover 96 speculation, seems just that, time will tell.

Jermaine is currently in Florida with the US Mens National Team preparing for the friendly international against Iceland this coming Sunday.

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CONTRACTS: Is Paul Torres Future Back Home?

Midfielder, Paul Torres has left Sandnes Ulf in Norway. Paul spent 4 years in Scandinavia after leaving UMd. Paul represented 3 teams, all in Scandinavia -  2 in Sweden (Nykopings BIS & Landskrona) and 1 in Norway (Sandnes Ulf)

According to reports, Paul is trialing with DC United, at their Pre-Season camp in Florida

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CONTRACTS: U.S. U-23 Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath Signs Extension with Molde

On Friday, the Norwegian Tippeligaen club announced the extension of 20-year-old goalkeeper Ethan Horvath contract by one year to 2018.

Horvath  appeared in 17 league games during the 2015 season, . He has also started in 3 Champions League games and 8 Europa League games during the 2015-16 competitions. (Molde is still competing in the Europa League, and will next play Sevilla in the round of 32)
Molde will begin its Tippeligaen campaign on March 12 against Tromsø.

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CONTRACTS: Zak Whitbread has Signed a Contract Extension with Shrewsbury

Photo: Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury Town have confirmed that defender Zak Whitbread has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old has featured 11 times for Town this season and has committed his short-term future to the Club.

Whitbread said: "I'm made up that I can carry on playing football and help the Club and we can move further up the table.

"I've really enjoyed it here. Speaking to the manager in the early part of the season, he really sold the Club to me.
"We're all working towards something achievable and it's a club that I want to see do well in the near future."

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