Photo by ISIphotos.com
Landon Donovan is set to embark on a new career adventure in England, but not before securing his future here in the United States.
The Los Angeles Galaxy has signed Donovan to a lucrative new multi-year contract that will push him into the company of Major League Soccer's Millionaires Club with the likes of David Beckham, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Freddie Ljungberg, sources told SBI on Wednesday.
Details of the new deal were not made available, but Donovan is expected to receive a considerable salary increase that will put him on par with the league's Designated Players. The Galaxy do not need second Designated Player slot because Donovan was grandfathered into the rule since he was already making well above the league maximum salary when the Designated Player rule was implemented by MLS.
What does this new deal mean for Donovan's potential future in Europe?
We are willing to bet that the new contract includes a modest fee-release clause that will allow Donovan some more freedom to make a transfer move if quality offers come in this summer after the 2010 World Cup.
The Galaxy will announce the new deal, along with Donovan's winter loan move to Everton, at a press conference in Los Angeles this afternoon.
What do you think of this development? Share your thoughts below.
I am happy for him. It gives him security if he decides to stay in the US and also provides him an opportunitty to be loaned in the short term with a chance to transfer after the World Cup should it be mutually desirable.
As long as he can get out of there when everyone wants him this summer I don’t care.
as long as it doesn’t hold him slave to a ridiculous inflated transfer fee I’m ok with it.
So the DP grandfathering rule persists even after he negotiates a new contract?
Didn’t realize that he was grandfathered for eternity.
maybe a good thing as he’ll continue to see regular playing time…. Maybe a WC 2014 appearance as well???
Yep, this was just posturing so that LA can get a better deal if he wants to leave perminantly. The League can give more allocation money and such to LA if they lose him now, I bet.
It also puts the league in better shape for demanding more money for him as his contract is longer now.
AGREED!!
Wow, will this grandfathering thing ever go away? I thought this was supposed to be phased out but I guess I was wrong. So LA gets two DP slots without the need of having two DP slots.
All of this just sounds like MLS bullying Donovan into a longer contract. If he didn’t sign a new long term deal they most likely would have chosen to use the 2 additional year options on his previous contract. Also this way with the new contract in place, if a European club does come along looking to snatch him up it won’t come cheap.
In the end it doesn’t really bother me either way I just hope its whats best for him and for the USMNT come next summer.
It depends on what’s in the contract. If it contains an effective escape clause then great. If it’s more like the typical MLS indentured service contract (except for the obviously higher salary) then it would display a shocking lack of ambition on Donovan’s part.
Way to be on top of your game Ives, everyone and their mother told you you were completely missing the story yesterday but you insisted the Everton move was the big news.
I’m going to say this now and hope I’m wrong – but this is a D I S A S T E R. Looks like he again took the MLS money and security over a transfer. Where is his pride to try to play with the best in the world?
TRUE!!
you just made me a bit sad to think this is probably his next to last World Cup appearance. We’ll miss him after 2014 Brazil for sure.
When is the grandfathering going to stop? I thought it was supposed to stop after year one of the DP?
It would be more fair for MLS to raise the salary cap $500K and allow each team to have two DPs. That way LA could absorb LD as a DP and not imapct their ability to sign other players. It would also allow other teams to spend a little more money and would allow teams like my Revs to sit on two DPs, leave a few roster spots open, and remain $700K below the cap while grinding out just enough points to make the playoffs and play before some 7,000 fans.
Any news on whether or not LD has a buyout clause so he could transfer in the future?
It’s the Galaxy. Rules do not apply.
Terrible decision. Donovan, don’t you want to test yourself with the world’s best abroad? Grow a pair.
Maybe it’s not a lack of pride, maybe it’s just him legitimately wanting the MLS to grow and to attract interest, and he realized that him staying would only help that.
I’m going to reserve judgement until all of the details of the contract are released but I’m a little surprised by this news.
I’m with you, Glass.
IMO, He’s never going to make a transfer to Europe now. Loans, yes, transfers, no.
Exactly what Holden should try to do.
I hope this doesn’t mean that I have to see him wearing that Galaxy uniform ALL THE DAMN TIME, winning this mls award and the other mls award for the 10th, 20th time, etc… maybe a good career move, but a very BORING story for fans.
also…
Picture Caption
“Big announcement: Donovan switches to career in ballet”
Ives,
What’s your take on the contract? Do you really see him wanting to stay in MLS for the rest of his career? Any way we can get any of the details of the transfer clause in the contract?
if landon signs a new deal with la he offically and eternally becomes landycakes … a wuss who is too scared to be anything other than a big fish in a small (very small) pond.
the hope is the mls will be a great place for late blooming american talents to grow and hopefully prepare for the jump to big time soccer in europe and also of course be an entertaining domestic product … but mls will NEVER be a place for the best ameican talent to compete with the best in the world.
as i have said before the ultimate goal for the USMNT should be to have a pool of 30+ players who are all regular starters/stars at top 75 European clubs. when a player like dempsey is no longer the exception but the rule the USMNT will be something more than an also ran but until then if our best players like Donovan are too scared to try and compete with the best on a daily basis then there is little hope for the USMNT to cement its place as a top 10 world team.
I can see why the MLS would do it. But I think it’s B.S. when any team get’s an exception to the rule. Unless they allow other MLS teams to sign 2 DP’s (if they wish)it’s not really fair to have 2 million plus players on a team. Even though he’s already been there. I wonder what this does for the CBA??? I’d be extremly upset, if I was a player making 30, or 40 grand a year and the MLS was throwing money at Holden, and Landon. I know the league needs stars, and poster children, but I sure don’t see how they can argue some players should make 20 a year and then do this stuff??? I think it was a big mistake by Garber. The MLS needs to concentrate on bringing up more stars, not just over paying a few. Let him go airmail pk’s in europe!
I like how people still think despite this that he is going to make a permanent move to Europe. Face it people, Landon doesn’t want to go to Europe permanently. He likes being the big fish in the small pond. At this point I bet he would have to take a pay cut to go oversees.
I am sure MLS will go down in history as the scapegoat for Donovan never making the jump permanently. Fee was to big, held him ransom, yada yada yada. But the reality is he doesn’t have the desire to go and honestly that is ok if he can live with it.
the league doesn’t need landon donovan. it needs a higher minimum salary, it needs a reserves league, it needs better academies at every club, it needs a higher (but still reaonable) salary cap, it needs more franchises as well run as Seattle … I could go on … but what it does NOT need is any ONE player … be that Beckham or Landon Donovan
Donovan is wussing out, whatever the explanation or excuses, he doesn’t have the guts to test and prove himself at the highest level on a day in and day out basis … I am sure he will still be the best outfield player for the USMNT but to be one of the greatest players in the world you have to do more on the club level than be the best player in the 25th best league in the world.
since his old grandfathered contract is essentially ripped up and replaced with a new one…then how in the world is he still not a DP?
Its time to institute an “american DP” slot for each team. Where 1 national teamer is not counted against a team’s cap
It’s MLS, they make up the rules as they go along.
Lol!
Amen to the Revs comment- could the Kraft family actually show that they care- like build me a SSS near Boston and not in the middle of nowhere Foxboro. I have posted this arguement before but I think Framingham is still the ideal place- the stadium would be good for the struggling city, it would put it smack in the middle of Boston and Worcester and all the wealthy suburban towns inhabiting this densely populated area and allow access from the commuter rail.
As long as it gives Donovan the freedom to move abroad if he so chooses and the salary doesn’t scare potential European clubs away, I could care less about it.
P.S. I do agree Holden, and Landycakes should make more for talent reasons. But these salaries need to a little more balanced. Holden’s offer is reasonable, Landon already made enough. Take the big money you offered Landon, and spread it to the guys making 20 a year, so they don’t need additional jobs. Then the quality would come up, or at least more kids would pursue it over other sports for the leagues future.
If Eddie Johnson or Ruiz come back to MLS will they be grandfathered? Why not? Like Afrim said above, LD got grandfathered even with a new contract.
2014? He’ll be 32.
I wonder how integral this version of Landycakes will be. Most likely still the same guy, minus a step and a half.
His lack of ambition, not MLS’. I also disagree that MLS don’t need Donovan. They need American players people can look to. Sad day when all of the US’ national team plays away from home. I want our Yanks playing the best in the world, I also want to see some of them play on home soil. MLS needs to keep itself American in the face of critics labeling it European.
If anything, I think a point needs to be made for DC’s shortcomings in attendance rising to the effect of losing a national team player. We were filled with them and fans can show pride. We’re now stuffed with has-beens, never-weres, could-of-beens and maybes. The future looks bright with the young’ns but I miss having a national team starter.
Grandfathered???? What a bunch of BS.
MLS “rules” are a JOKE!!!!
my day has been ruined
Unless he lights it up w/Everton and in the World Cup, there was never going to be a big transfer anyways. Hopefully he does that, and he moves on.
As great as it is for the USMNT’s best player to play in the MLS, it would be even more rewarding for American soccer if he could latch on with a club in Europe that can be competitive, and allow him to showcase the talent he has and what exists in the U.S.
You nailed it, Rory. This is MLS and the Galaxy positioning themselves financially for transfer negotiations because Landon wants to go.
GREATEST LANDY PHOTO EVER!
Ok as a fan of the g’s i expect a couple of mls championships or Concacaf champions league titles before he retires. If he’s not going to challenge himself in europe i expect him and the him and team to challenge themselves to my lofty expectations.
Uneffingbelievable. This league is a joke. I can’t stand how the rest of the teams are okay with the Galaxy having infinite DP salaries on their team over the years. I am so sick of this bullsh I can’t put it into words.
Salary cap needs to be adjusted or dropped. It’s time.
I totally agree. He will be the eternal Landycakes if he sticks around here for the rest of his career…well put.
I love all you babies crying about our best ever player’s career moves. I’m sorry, but take a look at the player he has become and compare it to all the American players that “toughed it out” in Europe — Donovan is better than all of them and he has raised the standard of his domestic league to boot. Maybe, just maybe, he knows what he’s doing better than a bunch of never-will-be’s.
After thinking on this further I’m a little confused why people are upset about Landon potentially staying in MLS. People always get annoyed that we don’t have the depth of talent or the ability to keep our better younger talent in the US to play in this league. Being the poster boy of the league and US soccer, keeping Landon around makes sense. It doesn’t show ambition on his part but it shows that MLS is making the right move to keep key players in the league to grow the interest and improve the level of play (same with offering Holden an improved contract).
Said it best:
Glass said…
As long as he can get out of there when everyone wants him this summer I don’t care.
Let me add I’m sick of seeing him in a Galaxy jersey. He is too good to be in MLS and is wasting quality time that could be spent getting even better in Europe.
Clueless. The commenters, that is.
MLS has TWO one-year options on Donovan. And there is no doubt that MLS will pick up those options. That means that Donovan will be with MLS, at his current salary, until January 1, 2012–and he will be 29 and available on a “free transfer.” I bet the number of suitors will be dramatically less when he is 29…
What Donovan just did was renegotiate for a massive increase in salary in case he remains in MLS. Donovan also probably had the opportunity to re-negotiate the language of his release clause (from the previous contract)–potentially making it easier for him to leave on a permanent transfer.
So Donovan just got DP money and potnetially used his bargaining position as leverage to insert transfer language in the new contract that would benefit him. And he is still going to Everton on loan.
If you are saying that this was stupid or that your day is ruined, you have missed the real consequences of the new contract.
I love the lack of pride comments maybe he is just content and happy to play close to home who r we to tell him he cant be happy!
I don’t see the big deal. It’s not like he can’t still move permanently. All this does is garauntee that MLS doesn’t get shafted on a transfer fee (not that they would allow that anyway) because Landon is under a multi-year contract.
I agree…I hope Ives is right about the reasonable release fee. I doubt we’ll get any confirmation about that though.
Seriously. He only goes to Europe if MLS decides to sell him. He has CLEARLY indicated that is his wish.
But so long as MLS keeps him stateside: How on Earth can anyone fault LD for getting himself a raise while he was at it???? He ain’t gonna be playing soccer forever and just got a divorce–the man needs to look after himself.
Well said, Miked.
This just gives Donovan security if he fails to impress with Everton or in the World Cup. His fallback is good money and a career of job security with MLS as the face of soccer in the U.S. If a good European team wants him, then they will have to pay MLS to rip up his contract. The unanswered question — and this always seems to be the question with Donovan — remains how motivated he is to test himself in Europe should he impress over the next few months. The other question is whether Donovan sees any threat to his starting position on the USMNT for 2014, a factor which might end up making the decision for him. Thus, the loan to Everton is the real story here; the rest seems like posturing right now.
I think Landon is more valuable to the MLS than he is to a club in any other league. Clubs from other clubs are simply not willing or able to match that kind of offer. So does LD simply take a big pay cut and go overseas with the risk that he will be treated the same way he was in Germany? I would be very disappointed in LD if he did that. I would hope he would show more maturity and business acumen.
LD is the best American player ever as judged by International performances (though I would argue that Harkes may have been a better player overall). He became what he is without playing in Europe. It says something about his talent that he is worth more in to MLS (which pays people in their first team $12K) than anywhere else. With the exception of goal keepers, American players do better when they succeed in the United States first, unless they have a European passport.
It takes more cajones to say screw you to a big European club that is unwilling to give you an opportunity than it does to simply soldier on and languish on the bench. I think it would be better for Altidore, Adu, Johnson and Feilhaber if they grew a pair and came back to MLS where they can learn the game and develop in to a player of Landon’s quality.
Players like Spector, Gooch and DeMerit have European passports, so they will always have an opportunity to develop. Without an EU passport, you must produce. You can’t learn how to do that on the bench. I hope this contract has been inked on Landon’s terms, paying him what he is worth and allowing him to make the choice if a good opportunity comes along.
Pretty cynical outlook but it’s still just opinion, not fact.
The league DOES need Donovan because he helps fill seats and get better TV contracts…just like Beckham. These key figures are what will ALLOW MLS to raise salary caps.
You are a smart man, ko’d.
IF LD comes back to GALAXY in 2015 (after his career in Europe is done), I bet the grandfathering will still persist — for GALAXY.
Couldn’t tell if that was sarcastic…I wasn’t trying to be smart. But does anyone really believe that Donovan and his agent don’t know what they are doing?
Seriously. People want one of our players to do well in Europe so we can get more respect. You know what, it won’t take just one player doing well. It will take us doing well in the WC on a consistent basis. League play wont’ matter as much for America as WC play will. And his play in the NT shirt shows that MLS is not hurting him. And like someone said before, MLS needs starts to grow in popularity and attendance. If you think a bunch of people common sports fans will see a bunch of no names then you are greatly mistaken.
Here here. I think most USMNT fans can agree with that.
Well said. First, this doesn’t mean he can’t be bought on transfer. Second, this is a win/win American soccer. If Landon stays and elevates the league play, then U.S. Soccer wins by having a stronger domestic league. If he goes to Europe, then that’s also great for the national talent pool’s prestige. Quit measuring your vicarious self worth through the number of yanks abroad. We will only become a top level world soccer power when our league can retain its own talent and compete with other top leagues.
Landon staying will be good for US Soccer, but soccer in this country will only be helped when the thousands of rediculous comments like on this comments section go away.
Everyone here WANTS him to leave.
Because they don’t like him ? No.
Because they would rather see Europe succeed than US Soccer.
The problem is they are not smart enough to realize the US National Team will NEVER be great with US born players playing in Europe.
“Way to be on top of your game Ives, everyone and their mother told you you were completely missing the story yesterday but you insisted the Everton move was the big news.”
Wow, what a mischaracterization of reality.
No way, Ives has it right, you can be sure that LD has a reasonable and capped transfer fee escape clause in there. I would imagine it would be the only way to get a new deal with him so as to provide him with the ability to jump ship when he hits it out of the park in South Africa next summer.
We can only hope.
How this unravels is a defining moment for soccer in this country.
Are we ( I am pro-US ) going to be a two bit feeder league for Europe, and thus second tier nation or a soccer power ?
What do you guys not get about the term “grandfathered” by the way? As long as LD is in MLS, he’ll always have the “grandfathered” status. That’s how it works.
Just like if a company cuts pensions, except for certain people who make the cut-off, they are grandfathered in from the old policy. So anytime someone is grandfathered on something, it’s expected they’ll keep that status until they leave that employer.
The USNMT will never be a top 10 national team with all of its players playing in Europe.
Just not going to attract the real talent…might as well become a baseball player, better pay and you don’t have to move across the world.
Screw grandfathering! No way should this be allowed. It makes the league look like a banana republic.
I hope he is doing right by himself signing this new deal. I’d hate for MLS to demand outrageous transfer fees just to keep him from leaving. He is vital to MLS, but MLS is seriously putting a cap on how well he can play against international competition.
He needs regular minutes in tactically superior leagues. Period. Otherwise we can count on him disappearing against tough competition like he did in ’06.
Now I think he will never leave MLS. He likes being the big fish in a small pond.
Thank you.
How is that child prodigy Adu doing ?
He sits on the bench of a team that has like one win this season, but I am really hoping he saves the US in 2010.
This country will never win the World Cup with 15k soccer attendance and everyone rooting for Europe over US.
But then again they root for a league where 16 of the teams will never win…ever.
Any transfer demand larger than $10-15 million would likely end any idea of a permanent move. In his late 20′s, he’d have to be valued as a great commodity.
do you people not understand how soccer contracts work? all over the world players sign extensions like this. It’s to get the club some more $$ on transfers, the player gets some security and usually a higher wage. As long as Ives is spot on with the reasonable buy out clause, this is nothing to even really talk about. It is VERY rare that a player is out of contract, in fact its rare a player ever gets to the final year of his contract.
Haha so true. I can’t even find words to describe it
That was exactly my thought when I heard about this. By increasing his contract now, MLS can point to a higher value that they are paying him now, thus forcing any bidders that come along after SA 2010, and come they will, to pay a higher fee.
And if there is a mechanism in place that makes it easy for LD to get out of the contract to make a move, then even better. For all we know, his old contract may not have had such a clause.
And what is the downside for LD? Say he tanks this summer (or gets injured or whatever), he has a nice deal in his home state for the next several years.
Seems like a win-win-win to me.
NM
I hope Ives is right, and there’s a get out of jail free card in his contract that allows him to go to Europe if the transfer fee is right. I don’t think it’s selfish that I’d like to see him be a success on one of the big European teams – I think deep down Landon wants that, too, especially now that Bianca’s out of the picture – I felt like he was close with Bayern last year, but I think a good showing for Everton and a good showing in the World Cup could put him at one of the world’s best clubs.
And would this be so bad? It appears to be working for his team mate? Why can’t LD take another page out of Becks’ playbook? He already has the pretty face B-list actress for a wife.
NM
Riiiiight, just like Argentina, Brazil and the Ivory Coast will never be great with THEIR best players playing in Europe!
It’s great for LD to get the money but regardless of his performance in the WC I have the feeling that MLS will ask for a fee so large that clubs will once again look at the league as being Micky Mouse. I feel he should not be playing in MLS but maybe Europe is not the answer for him either. I thought he’d be a lock to go south of the border. LD is not Clint so when MLS screws him over next summer he’ll just bend over and take it.
yes, because that’s how 12 year olds who are good at both baseball and soccer think! And why wouldn’t a 20-something want to spend a little time in Europe AND get paid for it??
You seriously dont see a difference between the countries you just mentioned and the US?
Seriously?
Even if you say yes, I don’t believe you.
You don’t really think that the US top athletic talent is going into soccer ?
As great as the Brian McBrides are…come on.
Exactly. This is really B.S.
With a new contract he should fall under the same rules as ever other MLS player and the Galaxy should have to get a second DP slot to be able to have him.
If there were ever a story that would stop the Eurosnob American Soccer Fans from fanning the flames that Donovan isn’t good because he plays in MLS, I would hope this was the one. Then I read the comments…..get over it folks, he plays in MLS….and he has shown himself to be one of the premier players on the field against he likes of Spain, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Etc. It has to hurt……It has to.
Wrong. The league does need all the things you mention. It just needs them in _addition_ to stars like Beckham and Donovan, not _instead of_ them.
No, it wasn’t sarcastic. I was agreeing with you!
When MLS began its designated player policy they plainly stated that players with excess contracts (LD, Ruiz, EJ) will be grandfathered for 1 year and then the teams would have to trade for another DP to keep a player having been grandfathered. After one year, they said one more year. That is where the questions and frustrations with grandfathering come from.
Outrageous but expected. I’m sure MLS has an NBA-like Referee suggestion box out there that has big-market teams like LA going deeper in the playoffs. See This year’s Western Conference Final. Houston 1 – LA 0
LA gets their own set of rules, total BS.
Great link on the DP from MLSnet.com from 11/11/2006. The best part is…
The salaries of players above the maximum salary budget have been the financial responsibility of the collective group of MLS investors. Players such as Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Carlos Ruiz (FC Dallas) and Eddie Johnson (Kansas City) will be “grandfathered” for one year after which they, too, will assume Designated Player status
link to web.mlsnet.com
Did he and his wife reconcile?
Smart Play by Donovan and the MLS. If Donovan make a splash at Everton (or wherever he ends up on loan) and does well in the WC, his value to the league skyrockets AND his transfer fee will too, providing they have him under contract still. This prevents a european team from getting probably the best player from this country at a bargain basement rate (and dragging down the future transfer fees of other players.)
In short if a European Team wants to buy Donovan after the WC, they can expect to open up their wallets to the tune of 15-20 million (maybe more depending on his play at the WC) This contract establishes his worth AT THIS POINT IN TIME, and is deserved because his imapact on AMERICAN soccer.
If things do not pan out at the Everton or the WC, the MLS will still have a domestic star and a very,very,very good player for a few more years. This will prevent him from going overseas for a mere pittance, when his old contract expires!
Well Done Donovan, Well done MLS!
On to Everton and the WC
Bottlcaps
This contract doesn’t really affect his ability to go overseas. As some have been speculating, it might even make it easier if he’s got some kind of release clause in there. And if he hadn’t signed a new contract the league still had the option of keeping him 2 more years.
I think that is a smart move for LD. He gives himself some security with the new deal and goes to England for a spell to see what he can do. If in fact like Ives suggests the pact includes a reasonable buy out it is a win for LD.
I think Stu Holden might want to try and do the same. I heard MLS offered him 10X his current pay which ain’t bad ($350K). Get an out clause and it makes alot of sense especially before a WC year.
Finally, can you picture/hear Mary Poppins singing in the background of LD’s picture.
Charles, nobody would seriously argue that top athletic talent in the US is going to soccer. However, the weaknesses of our national team have less to do with lack of athletisism and more with technical and mental aspects of the game. This should improve overtime as MLS clubs are starting to develop their youth programs, providing kids with proper coaching and training.
2014 is easy. Zidane was 34 in 2006. Mcbride was 34. This Next year Ballack will be 34, Frank lampard 32, Klose 32, Beckham 35.
Landon will play a huge part in the next world cup as well. He’s not a physical player or an injury laden player so he will hold up well.
Yeah, I don’t understand how the grandfathering rule could be justified for a new contract he’s signing. That’s ridiculous. Donovan is a DP who’s not being counted as a DP, and it looks like he’ll remain that way as long as he’s with the Galaxy.
Agree with ko’d above. This seems to be an excellent business move from Landon, he has covered all his bases. If the buyout clause is there, and he produces like we all think he can, then there are plenty of European squads with the cash to come calling. If not, then he stays and helps grow MLS, with due compensation. It should be pointed out he has gotten to where he is without playing much (or maybe despite)in europe.
To all the idiots who question his guts, try to think like a grownup for a minute and understand there is more to life than soccer. All his family and friends and assets are here, not to mention the greatest country in the world to live in (sure i’m biased). Sounds like there is still a good chance he will receive offers from overseas, but now they will only be serious ones, and he stands a better chance of landing in a place that wants/needs him badly where he will see plenty of action.
Steve Davis wrote a wonderful blog post about this — arguing that the smartest thing Donovan ever did was to leave Germany and return here to play in MLS. Instead of languishing on some European bench, he turned into a brilliant and accomplished professional.
Having said that, he may be the rare player who has reached the point where he can walk on to an EPL team and succeed. Playing in England would be great for Donovan’s progress. Sitting on the bench there would probably not be a big boon to his career.
I am from the town next to Gillette and let me ask you something. Why would the Kraft’s care about Framingham? They are in the business of making money and promoting a product. They just built a mini-city next to a massive stadium and want as much traffic as possible. They would build a SSS on that site before ever thinking of moving…
That’s exactly what I was thinking. When Ives mentioned yesterday that there was going to be a press conference I knew that ‘Cakes had inked a new deal. MLS may be a ruthless socialist society that we and the players can find many faults with, but the one thing they are not is stupid business people.
Why wouldn’t MLS renegotiate one of its stars contracts, especially when that star is going to the most high profile (read visible) league in the world, as well as playing on the world’s biggest stage this summer. As you pointed out, signing him to a new contract enhances their bargaining position. Lanny allowing the renegotiations to occur is a shrewd move on his part as long as the Buy-out/Transfer/whatever clause is fairer to both parties than the previous contract.
This contract announcement is not Donovan stating to the world that he never wants to leave LA. How often have we seen big European clubs ink some starlet to a new deal only to sell him on a couple of months later instead of letting him leave for free!?!? True, Landon wouldn’t have left for free, but you can bet your @sses that things would’ve grown very difficult for MLS had suitors come calling and Donovan being shackled to the HDC gates, hell ESPN may have even gotten involved.
If he’s negotiated a reasonable buy-out clause, or made it easier for a long-term loan, then it’s a win-win for everyone. MLS might get to keep him, if he prefers to stay. Alternatively, if European success may be in his future, then such a provision would make it more possible. Having Donovan succeed in Europe can only help the MLS’ image abroad — and it would make him a much bigger star when he someday returns to MLS…which would be great for the league.
Congrats Ives on winning US Soccer’s Best Soccer Blog!
All of us are speculating that there is a realistic transfer clause in the contract. Whether one exists and the details thereof is the big story here.
It really shouldn’t come as too big a surprise to anyone following MLS for even a couple of years. Yet, MLS still wants to be taken as a serious league. Don’t know how that works really.
As long as they play these little games of re-drawing the rules to fit their “guys,” there will be fans who continue to laugh at it and not follow along. That’s their/our right as a consumer. If you don’t like the product, you don’t have to buy it. You won’t be the first and certainly won’t be the last.
Its his life to live, but I can’t possibly imagine being in his shoes and not wanting to achieve my full potential and test myself against the best in Europe. Baffling to me.
How did the 2 DP’s work for the Galaxy last year? Did they win the Supporters Shield? Did they win MLS Cup? Having these players do not make them clearly above the rest of the MLS.
Look at RSL. NO DP’s, and they won the championship.
I give bottlecaps, etc. (patrick, Adam M. and others) who have said similar thing,s my thumbs up vote.
It’s funny how this tempest in a ‘Depot has brought out everyone: the Landon fans and haters, the Galaxy fans and haters, the MLS fans and haters. This has something for all of us.
For all you who hate that the grandfather clause is being modified, remember, this is business. You boss would bend his own rules to maximize his $$$ potential, too.
Ives, you must be chuckling your head off on the sidelines.
Only 50 minutes til we all know.
And of course John Sweeny doesn’t return to defend his slanderous attack. Just hit and run.
Lame.
Yes, but doesn’t it make him less marketable to European clubs? More bargaining power for MLS means higher transfer fees, which means less interest from other clubs. Seems to me, if you’re interested in playing in Europe, signing a new contract with MLS is NOT what you do. It’s a stupid move, unless he has no interest in transferring.
And we will never get the details. The assumption (and yes, it is an assumption) is that a transfer clause with upside for Donovan would have been CRITICAL to the negotiation that led Donovan to sign a new, long-term deal. Especially given his clear interest in Europe over the last two winters.
So, is it an assumption? Definitely. But I have to say that common sense and the circumstances support the plausibility of that assumption.
I think this means one of two things:
1) Landon is content with playing out his career in MLS, especially with this new lucrative contract.(lets hope its extremely lucrative because I think Landon has only about 3 more years of playing at his peak)
2) Landon IS intent on playing in Europe and this new MLS contract is only “insurance” if the Everton loan doesnt go well and he gets no good offers from anywhere in Europe.
I hope it’s the latter. I think LD has what it takes to play in Europe and I’d hate to see him not prove himself at the highest level. Could he be an Arshavin? Prolly not. But I do think he could be a starter and an impact player.
It’s completely outrageous. You can’t grandfather a new contract. If Eddie Johnson comes back to MLS, will he still be grandfathered?
Whatever, haters. He’s won me over. If he ever goes more permanently to England or elsewhere and flops, I’ll take him back in a second; if he succeeds, I’ll be elated for the guy; now that he looks to be staying, at least for now, I’m overjoyed, because he’s the thoroughly deserving and rightfully respected captain of my favorite team. Hats off, Landon, after the last two years you deserve a raise.
Oh, and KO’d, Catamount, and JB: Yes.
Well I disagree completely.
If you don’t have the talent going into the sport like Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, etc…you aren’t going to beat them.
Hope you are right, because right now MLS games are 15k and holding steady for 15 years running.
How many of those players you listed use speed as their greatest asset.
Oh, right.
This is Landon Donovan’s last World Cup.
1st off…I don’t see a problem with the new deal in MLS, so long as Landon was smart with the contract language. Smart being Transfer cap and loan options.
2nd….to those who have been spouting on and on that this is good for MLS development and improving US’s perception in the world of soccer/football/footbul I’m afraid I have to disagree. As a previous poster pointed out MLS needs a number of things to happen in order to shake the concept that its a develpment league for the European Teams in the EPL, Seria A, Bundasligua, France, etc… Namely MLS/US National Soocer needs:
1) Raise in MLS Salary Cap
2) Raise in MLS Minimum Salary
3) Development League to feed MLS
4) Young and exciting players from around Concacaf (Honduras, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, El Sal., etc) as well as Star talent (US National players, European & S. American Stars in twilight, etc…)
5) Play more attractive Style of Soccer instead of a 10 man defense.
6) Compete WELL in Club/international tournaments.
7) US National Teams to perform consistantly well in the World Cups (all ages). Meaning Getting into and beyond the 1st Knock-Out rounds.
8) Be able to keep our best & brightest young talent involved with USA’s National Teams instead of loosing them to European Nations like Italy.
Until these things happen the US will never be considered as a contender. Well always be seen as a place to pick up Role Players/Fillers for the Powerful soccer countries leagues, and mild hick-ups on the world stage.
I think this gives insight into the next CBA, and it’s likely each team will get 2 DPs without them counting against the cap.
First and foremost to all those against Landon staying here to play his soccer in the MLS instead of Europe……
The MLS is a business, and businesses in order to attract customers will display the best product out there (aka Landon – MLS) and so will do everything possibly to keep Landon
Landon was making 900k for the past 4-5 years and now a multi-year contract with possibly doubling his salary for another 3-5 years (let’s say $2 mil/year) hence he is happy with his pay because it is at par with those earning their wages in Europe
but the interesting thing is this, what if he goes to Europe on a 3-mth loan every year with Everton (from now till when his new contract with MLS ends – sofaras no other club pays a hefty transfer fee the MLS will be demanding) this year, next year, 2012 etc…..MLS will be making a killing off of these loans (aka David Beckham with AC Milan, $10mil both AC Milan and David paid MLS to make the loan go thru) let’s say Everton pays LA Galaxy $5 mil per 3 months for 3-5 years, that is almost 15mil – 25 mil (and probably MLS have convinced Donovan about this and how much his cut will be….so far as he doesn’t get burnt out come beginning MLS season.) I’m just thinking outside the box……Hey it is his life, he does what ever he wants to do with it. If he wants to stay in the MLS till he retires, kudos to him……I’m still gonna like him as a player and criticize him if he plays poorly with the USMNT or praise him if he plays well. That’s my take on this.
Being fast and playing with pace are two entirely different things. Barring injury, Landon will be a great leader and player in 2014. You’d be foolish to bet against him.
I happen to think your assumption is right, but I would still really like to know the details of the transfer clause. It would give some insight for the future on which of the inevitable transfer rumors may have merit and which may not, as well as, answering the questions that are regularly raised regarding Donovan’s heart, pride, desire, etc., when it comes to his playing somewhere other than MLS.
Landon is chicken sh*t. A bit time puss. I am very disappointed in him.
thats what i dont understand about this…..thats why i thought it was obvious LD was going abroad when his LA contract was up because he was only grandfathered for this contract, if that was the case they would have to sign him as a DP and they couldnt do that…..i guess that isnt the case though
Michael, the only puss is you. How about we all tell you where you should work? What team do you play for?
jeff cunningham has more speed at 32 than before and Didier Drogba is 31 and still has speed…..
he might not play a vital part in 2014 but you cant count him out….that is extremely premature, infact imature
I’m calling B.S. on your post Senor Durkahead. You obviously don’t know anything about employment contracts.
4 year deal with the Galaxy.
For “substantially more”…come on SBI, how much more ?
With a 10 week loan to Everton. I hope he is getting bank for risking his long term identity/success as USMNT captain.
I still say he should stay focused on June rather than entertain a sideshow for a team that will never win.
A good take it is too, but….
There is no way Everton is paying that much for the loan is there ?
Agreed, when Garber spoke in Seattle.
I am sure you can find it on the SeattleTimes website.
He stated the the DP was working very well and could be expanded.
Here’s a thought….maybe he likes playing here, is comfortable so why should he leave. Are 90% of these people on here from Europe or non sporting event types. I enjoy seeing good players when I attend sporting events like MLS games and playing in the MLS has not hurt Landon and in fact he is thrived and in my opinion if not the best then very close to the best player in this country so why does he need to prove anything in Europe. He did fine against Spain and Brazil in the Confed Cup and like Dempsey who plays in Europe was non-existent in the first 2 games so MLS doesn’t seem to hurt him. I agree with Charles in that the only way the US is ever a consistent force is if we have most of our players playing in the states. I like that Ching resigned, they made Holden a nice offer and that Donovan is getting a new deal. Why would you want to play in miserable 30 degree raining weather most of the year in England when it is sunny and 70 in LA. And he still gets to play against the world’s best at the World Cup and in international tournaments.
yes if i’m the other teams in the league i’m not happy about this. preferential treatment for the Galaxy AGAIN
Screw Europe. Bring back all Americans!!!
Slanderous? The big news was that LD signed a big deal with the Galaxy, SBI claimed yesterday it was to tout his transfer to Everton. When he wrote that many people questioned it (including me), as in ‘why would you throw a presser about a player leaving?’.
In fact SBI had an exchange with Jon about it, asking: “It has me wondering if “major player announcement” means more than a 3 month loan. Why would they make such a big deal about an offseason loan that presumably has no impact for their team’s upcoming season, unless…”
SBI replied with: “It’s a World Cup Year, ESPN has EPL rights and World Cup rights, and it’s important to ESPN and advertisers and MLS to pump this move up. It’s not a coincidence that this press conference is being held at an ESPN facility.”
Now let me know what was slanderous in my post?
oh no, a team that can afford better players will put a better product on the pitch, oh no…. This is from very small market team supporter, I just want some good play
“but the interesting thing is this, what if he goes to Europe on a 3-mth loan every year with Everton (from now till when his new contract with MLS ends – sofaras no other club pays a hefty transfer fee the MLS will be demanding) this year, next year, 2012 etc…..MLS will be making a killing off of these loans (aka David Beckham with AC Milan, $10mil both AC Milan and David paid MLS to make the loan go thru) let’s say Everton pays LA Galaxy $5 mil per 3 months for 3-5 years, that is almost 15mil – 25 mil (and probably MLS have convinced Donovan about this and how much his cut will be….so far as he doesn’t get burnt out come beginning MLS season.) I’m just thinking outside the box……Hey it is his life, he does what ever he wants to do with it. If he wants to stay in the MLS till he retires, kudos to him……I’m still gonna like him as a player and criticize him if he plays poorly with the USMNT or praise him if he plays well. That’s my take on this.”
Holy confusing clause-fest, Batman!
So what ever happened to this Everton loan? Still waiting…
Scott47…sorry but we still need the European teams. Where else will our players gain consistent experiance against players the likes of Terry, Lampard, Torres, Messi, Tevez, Fabiano, Rabinho, Kaka, etc…..
twice every 4 years does not help you improve very much. Better to see players like this week-in, week-out.
Additionally the coaching, and Style Europe, South America are in most cases far above that seen in MLS or any of our domestic leagues. In short if a player wants to reach the peak of their ability they want to play against the best and be trained/coached by the best. And sorry to say that is not here in the US for the sport of soccer.
Come on- Tempest in the Depot. Where’s the love?
This is a great idea, actually.
I agree and I would add that He did this because what would happen if he got hurt at the old pay rate.
I think he is being smart and he gets the best of both worlds gets to play any where he wants it would be like a working vaction, the guy is going to train might as well get paid more and travel.
You were SPECULATING yesterday. S-P-E-C-U-L-A-T-I-N-G.
Do you understand the difference between being a fan speculating on a blog comments thread, and being a journalist who sources information and relays what he’s been told?
If you’re the latter and you’re good, you occasionally work with an incomplete picture, but you’re still more often right than wrong. If you’re the former, you’re always just a fan. Sometimes you’ll be right, sometimes you’ll be wrong … but you’re always just a speculating fan.
And you’ve mischaracterized yesterday’s events. “Everyone and their mother” wasn’t telling Ives he was “completely missing the story.” A few of you speculated about the nature of the press conference. And there was no “insisting” by Ives that the Everton loan was the sole big news. You’re misrepresenting things for the sake of making some over-the-top point.
I believe that we are in fact seeing more top athletic talent playing soccer. The talent that it takes to play baseball, football and basketball verses soccer are not neccessary the same. While there are some positions that overlap, soccer really requires totlly different skills. Does anyone really believe that Messi could play any of the major US sports
It you used to be said that a person had no pride when they would prefer a foreign entity over domestic. Donovan’s signing shows his commitment and pride for his domestic league. He is showing massive amounts of respect to MLS fans, and the future of this league. That is nothing to hang your head on. Maybe some of you should also show some pride for your domestic league and stop crying about what MLS isn’t and appreciate it for what it is. I never understood why he received so much criticism over the years for not playing in Europe. The guy is the best that America has in both soccer talent and character.
Any or all ?
I will go with both, but I can see if some say just most.
Everybody seems to assume that going to Europe is the best thing for Landon and MLS. Has anyone wondered what Europe thinks about Adu, Altidore and Johnson?
Perhaps Landon ACTUALLY WANTS to stay in LA. Why is that so unthinkable? Perhaps he thinks playing in MLS is the best way for him to maximize his potential. Maybe he is right. Maybe MLS is the best place for young American players to develop. Maybe MLS is the best way to develop National Team players. How many US National team players without a European passport are playing regularly in Europe and starting for the USA?
What just happened here ?
This blog comments section just changed…
FROM Landon HAS to go
TO Landon SHOULD stay
I would say some people pulled their heads out
I do think it is pivotal point in this country for soccer. If the MLS can find the money and pay to keep the talent here, the league will expand Seattle style. The Donovans and the Holdens of the US will show it more than anything.
The bottom 3/4ths of the EPL will not be able to compete with a league of 20-30 Seattle type teams.
“Perhaps Landon ACTUALLY WANTS to stay in LA.”
That would directly contradict what Landon Donovan has publicly been saying for over a year now.
According to Everton’s website
The loan deal was been agreed upon in principle and could be finalized within the next 48 hours
Give John Sweeny credit, where it is due. He made the right call yesterday. I’m not sure I saw anything ‘slanderous’ in there, plus since it was written and not spoken it would have been “libelous” anyway…but that is another matter.
Hopefully, we were not completely wrong however, and the speculation above is right. This is more about making sure that MLS has some leverage post WC (or even preWC) to get a decent transfer fee for LD and it gave LD a clear way out that MLS couldn’t squander.
The issue here isn’t what sort of credit John Sweeny does or doesn’t deserve for something he wrote yesterday. The issue here is his comment of today, in which he misconstrued events to gratuitously slam someone.
If he simply wants credit, then he should write, “Yay, I was right! Congratulate me!” But that wasn’t the thrust of his comment.
Ives doesn’t need me to defend him, I’m sure. But I’m just getting tired of the mean-edged tone and sense of entitlement on the Internet. I mean, we’re in somebody’s virtual home here. Have a little respect.
Oh, and “slander” is not solely a legal term. Especially outside a legal context…
grrrrrooooovy babay
and with deuce in form and beasley back in form…things are starting to look up again!
Shocker there is a loop hole for the galaxy.
Show me the money.
Donovan had no chance of ever transferring to Bayern because they would have had to pay about 10 million on the fee.
If he left now, I would hazard to guess that the fee would now be less than 4 million (conservative estimate).
I can’t imagine how this new clause lowers his price.
I understand how people can see the good in this, but I can’t.
The only thing I can understand is maybe he gets some kind of special insurance policy for major injuries that could occur in MLS leading up to the World Cup. That’s the only thing that would make sense to me. I can certainly see how this is good for MLS and ESPN America.
If I were him I’d try to bring my price down as low as possible. After all, as an example, Ballack was a great player when he went to Chelsea. But he was also free. Who knows if they would have taken him if he had a price tag on him.
First off, the quality of Argentina’s and Brazil’s domestic leagues are much higher than ours, so to me it’s kind of a moot point.
How many of England’s firt team choices play outside of England? How many of Germany’s first team choices play outside of Germany? Spain? Portugal? France? You get the point.
The best and smartest way to s strong National Team is a strong domestic league.
everyone should stop hating on Donovan. For whatever reason he chose to stay in MLS thats his own decision. Living in L.A myself and with all the benefits etc it is pretty awesome. I wish him the best.
No offense but if your boss offered to double your salary, you wouldn’t take it? Or would you take the other plush job where you have absolutely no idea what the work environment is like? Just saying.
Because in europe foreginers pay more in taxes thats why!
grant wahl reporting donovans deal is 4 years 9 million
Pathetic.
I also thought the Galaxy were going to have to address the DP slots after this season. Now, they dont?
Does Clint Dempsey mean anything to you?
thank god an american gets what he deserves in america. mls needs to keep us stars and if landon finds his greatest success in mls i will be a happy man. he is worth going to toyota park to see.
agreed.
He just took the plush job, except he knows what to expect. I would personally rather strive for greatness than live in mediocrity. Thank you kind sir.
Besides, he knows what the work environment will be like, just doesn’t have the huevos to challenge himself
I wonder if Donovan lacks the intestinal fortitude to pursue a career against the best players in soccer by signing this long term contract with MLS. I can’t help but feel that arguably the best player in MLS if not the best player the U.S. has produced doesn’t have what it takes or maybe he’s just afraid to prove himself against the great players in Europe. His European career has so far consisted of two failed stints at Bayer Leverkusen, an unsuccessful loan at Bayern Munich and now a short term loan at Everton. Donovan had the chance to prove he truly was the best soccer player this country has ever produced. Now he is settling for being the best player in a third tier league in the world.
I have been a fan of Donovan’s since I first heard of this prodigy from Redlands (CA). I’ve been a fan of MLS and since the inception of the league and a Galaxy fan almost as long. I have to admit to being a D.C. United supporter when the league started. I have always wanted Donovan and MLS to succeed. Donovan has gone as far as he can go in MLS. He has nothing left to prove in MLS. MLS is riding with expansion and the success of the Beckham experiment, at least as much as it pertains only to David Beckham and Chuatemoc Blanco.
Now however I have lost respect for Donovan and what appears to be his cowardice. I know the Galaxy and MLS did what they needed to do for the team and the league to succeed, but if this league is going to succeed it needs to let it’s top players go abroad and succeed against the top players in the world. Donovan, and MLS failed here.
I can only hope that I’m wrong and Ives is right about this contract having an opt out clause for Donovan, because if does not Donovan doesn’t deserve the respect of his fans.
Very smart move by MLS. And this move is certainly not about making the league better, because it’s a money move. If they sell him later, they make more money. He stays, they sell more shirts plain and simple. As far as league improvement, the truth of the matter is that Landon staying here is going to keep another youngster from coming through the ranks in LA…but on a player level, I don’t really get his motive. I mean what player doesn’t want to be playing against the best players in the world? The best players in the world are not in MLS. People can talk all about how he’s still a good player in MLS, but where is the hunger? Who doesn’t want the chance to play against Barca, Arsenal, Man U, Liverpool, Milan, in the champions league? Or play to your best and be considered world player of the year? Maybe he feels staying in MLS is helping the league and he can be remembered as a great American player like Reyna, Ramos et al, but down the road when you look at the world’s best players, he’ll never be considered that. Even the Brazilian league is better than MLS, and those players always look to playing for Milan or Barca. At the end of the day, athlete’s want to be the best and play against the best. That’s why people come from china and places to play in the NBA. I just don’t get it.
But what is the greatest success in MLS? winning MLS cup? being voted MVP? I don’t get it? Beating up on NYRB?
But Landon is not Adu, Altidore, or Johnson. And that’s the point. When those three left, no one was saying they were the best the US had to offer. I’m not saying Landon is the best the US has, but people seem to think he is. And if he’s the best, why wouldn’t he want to put his talents against the best the world has to offer? Do you think anyone would be talking about Messi if he was in Argentina? Look at Riquelme, without a doubt one of the best world class midfielders out there. The minute he left Europe he was basically forgotten.
I just read on cnnsi.com an article from the AP about Donovan’s resigning with the Galaxy. Donovan says, “The Galaxy made it clear very early they weren’t going to sell me.” I thought his contract was up and if it wasn’t then this another indication of how MLS screws it’s own players with the single entity. If the Galaxy refuse to sell a player like Donovan than what does that say to players coming up. It says if a player like Donovan can be treated so badly how are they going to treat some kid hungry to prove himself. It’s time for young players to say screw MLS and take their chances elsewhere.
According to Grant Wahl on Twitter: 4 years, 9 million
sorry didnt see that someone else already mentioned this. Excited for new CBA.
I think his wife put him on lockdown! She probably makes more money than him as an actress…!
Well said MVK.
Couldn’t agree more on the unfortunate side-effect of anonymous speech on the Internet…everyone acts like a-holes. And, yes, John Sweeny was being a bit of a douche with his mocking tone.
However, since I told him he was wrong on tuesday, I felt I should probably admit he was right yesterday.
here on the internet, we usually restrict our white knighting to pretty women. it’s refreshing to see someone proudly advertising their alternative orientation.
Charles,
Did you ever notice how many French and Dutch players play in the England and Spain? I hadn’t noticed they were second tier soccer powers. Did you ever notice how many Brazilians and Argentinians play everywhere? I guess they are second tier soccer powers too?
Having lots of your best players play abroad doesn’t make your national teams second rate.
What makes you think he is scared?
David,
“if he can live with it”
What a steaming pile of cow manure. You make it sound as if Donovan not going to Europe permanently is the equivalent of getting away with a hit and run homicide.
Donovan is currently the single most irreplaceable USMNT player. Without him, US hopes for a good run in SA are lot less likely. At this point, the best a fan can hope for is that a few months with Everton will sharpen him up as much as possible for South Africa. And he is doing this. So he is doing all he can to be as good as possible for this Cup. Beyond that he owes you nothing.
tg,
Does case by case basis mean anything to you? How about, “different strokes for different folks?”.
In case they don’t hgow about Landon and Clint are two different people and two different players. What is good for one is not necessarily good for the other. One man’s treasure is another man’s garbage.
Have I quoted enough cliches to make a point to you?
Messi left Argentina because he wasn’t going to get paid there. He’s known that since he was 5 years old. It’s not a comparable situation.
That’s because by the time Riquelme left Europe he was over the hill. He was also a prima donna, club house lawyer, head case, club house cancer,whatever so yeah everyone forgot about him and good riddance.
They have been separated/divorced for some time now.
I would be surprised if this is anything different than what Landon said. I don’t think Landon cares to bs much. I think he enjoys LA and has a family there. And, I think we can all pretty much let go of our hope that Landon will finally become the best player he can be. Two and a half months in the EPL and the rest of the time in MLS will not make him a better player on a long-term scale.
I agree that this deal makes him less attractive to other clubs. His value to MLS is too high and I don’t think they would have created some ‘reasonable value’ clause for him. I also don’t think Landon and his agent, together, would have cared much about giving MLS a greater fee and brokered some deal that had the interests of the league in mind.
I guess I’ve just started to let go of the notion that Landon will ever live up to his potential. And, that’s gonna have to be okay. He can stay in MLS. I like watching him play. I’m a tad less excited about him after this deal, but hey. Whatever. I hope he does well in England. I’ll start looking forward to the time when a new Landon Donovan is coming up through the youth ranks. Maybe he’ll fulfill his promise for us fans.
Good for Donovan. He’ll be set for life. He deserves it. Thanks to him for supporting and dedicating to the league.