Donovan gets shot at German redemption with Bayern deal
Landon Donovan is headed back to Europe. Well, for a few months, at the least. Donovan has inked a loan deal that will see him join Bayern in January and remain there until before the start of the upcoming MLS season.
Donovan’s unsuccessful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, his perceived lack of desire to return to Europe, and the feelings of quite a few that he needs to succeed in Europe to secure his status as an American legend have been documented plenty, so there’s no need to delve too deeply into those subjects.
It is true that Donovan needs to do well on this spell. He’s 26, and another disappointing showing could set him back another couple of years or even spell the end for him in Europe. MLS likely won’t lower their valuation of him, so it’s up to him to show that he’s worth someone paying it.
Besides that, Donovan’s development and success in Europe can only be a good thing for the U.S. national team.
Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose are undoubtedly the first-choice strikers at Bayern, but Donovan will likely be given a chance to challenge Lukas Podolski for the third striker position. If it happens that Podolski is sold in January, that spot could be his for the taking.
This is a perfect situation for Donovan. He isn’t the focus of the team, and if he can find regular playing time and make a positive impact in the process, it should be considered a successful spell. Even if it doesn’t land a permanent deal at Bayern, showing that he’s ready for Europe this time around will lead to more offers from quality European sides.
Do you think this is a good move for Donovan? Do you think he’ll have enough opportunities to prove that he deserves a permanent move to Bayern or another European club?
He should go to a mid-table team in Europe so that he can start. If he just sits on the bench for 2.5 months behind Toni, Klose, and Podolski then what is the point?
… world-class training facilities and coaching, a chance to better hone his game by training with high-level players, better visibility, and a salary during MLS’ down time. Where’s the down side? Better for his footballing (present and future), vs. sitting on a SoCal beach, even if he gets limited playing time. It can only better his game. And other teams would have a much better chance to see him (and evaluate him) in Muenchen vs. ‘wait and see him in LA in the spring.’ While I agree with you that I’d love to see him playing regularly in Spain, Italy or Portugal, this loan is really nothing more than putting him ‘on display.’ Worst case? LD goes back to the Galaxy in shape and better for the experience (and with a pocket full of Euros) Best case? He gets picked-up by a mid-level team where he can shine!
i don’t think Klinsmann is doing this for charity… Even Hoeness, Rummenigge and Beckenbauer see it as a good deal, even if its for just a few months. This might signal the end for Lukas Podolski at Bayern. It’s disappointing to see a national talent waste away… I hope he finds more playing time elsewhere if he does go away.
As for Donovan, if he is as quick as people say he is, then he is good cover for either Toni or Klose, who both need speed to supply them with goal-scoring opportunities.