by GIANFRANCO PANIZO
Oguchi Onyewu is no stranger to the transfer rumor mill, but things are a bit different this time around.
Onyewu heads into this summer's transfer window a free agent, meaning he will be able to sign with any club he chooses. That also means that staying at Belgian champions Standard Liege is looking less and less likely for the U.S. national team defender, even as he has Liege on the verge of a second straight Belgian title.
Onyewu has long been linked with a plethora of clubs through the years, from Marseille to Chelsea, but he has continued to remain in Belgium, where he has played a major role in turning Standard Liege into a regular domestic title contender and strong UEFA Cup participant.
He is set to play in Standard Liege's season finale vs. KAA Gent on Saturday with the team needing a win to have a chance of securing a second straight league title (go here for an interview with Onyewu by USSoccer.com on the season finale). After the finale, it will be time for Onyewu to decide on his next club destination.
Onyewu has come a long way since a disappointing loan move to Newcastle United two years ago. After that debacle, Onyewu returned to Belgium and helped Standard record a 31-game unbeaten streak en route to winning its first Belgian league title in 25 years last season.
This season, Onyewu has contributed to the club's shared first-place position as they head into the final game of the year. Onyewu has provided solid defense all season long while also being a constant threat on set pieces. In fact, in league play this year, Onyewu has only amassed three yellow cards, the same number of goals he has scored for the club this season.
Regardless of his team's place in the standings after this weekend's matches, Onyewu's form over the past two seasons has clubs from all over Europe lining up to make bids.
So where will one of this summer's hottest commodities land during the transfer window? Well you can expect clubs such as Lyon, Olympique Marseille, Borussia Moenchengladbach, Fulham and Real Betis to rekindle their interest in Onyewu, but they should have competition from the new clubs to emerge with interest in Onyewu. The latest rumors from Europe have recently promoted English clubs Birmingham City and Wolves lining up bids.
Where do you see Onyewu playing next season? Is he destined to give the EPL another go? Will he head to the Bundesliga or Ligue 1? Are Spain or Italy good options for him?
Share your thoughts below.
