Clint Dempsey to Seattle: My thoughts

Although it is still not officially confirmed, the potential impact of this move is too big and I have too many thoughts about it to keep to twitter. Clint Dempsey is about to become a Seattle Sounder on a transfer from Tottenham.

With every move involving an American player, I think first and foremost about how it impacts US soccer and the USMNT. In that regard, I think this move is very bad for the immediate prospects of US soccer. I do, however, think it will end up being a very good thing for the country’s soccer following in the future. Getting 1 of the 3 best American players in the world who is captain of the USMNT and still in the prime of his playing days is huge for the MLS. The marketing they will be able to do with him will be massive, and the growth of the sport and league will greatly benefit from the move. It will raise awareness and the reputation of the MLS in American’s eyes. What is good for the growth of the MLS is good for the future of US soccer.  

However, I think that it is a very negative move for the USMNT going into Brazil. Here are my reasons why:

1) Klinsmann has stated many times that he wants his players playing at the highest possible level they can. Will all due respect to the MLS, the English Premier League is still miles ahead of it in terms of skill level. He can’t be happy about this.

2) We need our top players getting used to seeing the level of competition they will be facing in Brazil. Unfortunately, Dempsey won’t be seeing that on a regular basis in the MLS.

3) Dempsey can still 100% play at a high level in the EPL. Over the last 3 seasons, Dempsey is 6^th in total goals scored with 35. That isn’t the stat line of a player who should be leaving a top European league for the MLS (again, no disrespect to the MLS. I love the league but it’s no EPL).

4) My final big reason could end up being good or bad for US soccer. It is, like my view on the move as a whole, bad for the short term but good for the long term advancement of US soccer. This move sets an example that the best American players can settle for being big stars in the MLS. That isn’t the level of competition that we want out top players to be playing against right now. As the league continues to grow and advance it will hopefully be a place that our best players can challenge themselves, and with the impact this move will have on the MLS, it will make that closer to happening. But the MLS is not there right now.

If this news were to come out next August 2^nd, I would be ecstatic. It wouldn’t impact a World Cup, and it would still give the same significant boost to the MLS. Unfortunately, it is this August 2^nd, and we have 10 months to get the USMNT to the highest level it can be at for the World’s biggest tournament. It is great news for the MLS, the Seattle Sounders, and Clint Dempsey’s bank account (I have to imagine that his new salary will be HUGE), but I see it as bad news for the USMNT and America’s World Cup hopes.