da luck： Transfer decisions are deeply personal, and not every one is made with the national team as the sole deciding factor

da lvbet： This sport loves a good transfer story, and there's an entire business within soccer dedicated to that fact. Insiders rack up millions of social media followers discussing the latest news and rumors as fans wait for any sign of what's coming next with even more passion than they wait for the next big result on the field.

In American soccer, transfer stories are looked at on an even deeper level. That's because every big move involving an American isn't just viewed as a singular event. Every move is macro, not micro; it's a whole new referendum on the American game itself. When a big American player makes a move, the sport is healthy. When the opposite happens, the sky is falling.

To start 2024, U.S. men's national team transfers have prompted more of the latter. A Europe-obsessed fanbase has seen several players opt for transfers within North America, prompting criticism and, in some cases, outrage.

But those moves aren't for those outside of the player's circle to decide, and every transfer doesn't need to be dictated solely by national team hopes and dreams. There's time for criticism and time for outrage, but when it comes to deeply personal choices like these, those outside need to settle down.

GettyThe great transfer debate

This whole debate has gone on for a long time, but it really came to the forefront during the Jurgen Klinsmann-era for the United States men's national team. During that time, the then-coach made it loud and clear: If the U.S. wants to reach its potential, players need to be testing themselves in Europe.

Ever since Klinsmann's tenure, you've seen that mentality take hold in ways it didn't before his time. Stars like Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie moved to Europe at young ages, with the aim of proving themselves at the biggest clubs in the world. As a result, they and others are playing at a higher level than any generation of USMNT stars before them, having been challenged over and over in Europe's top leagues.

But, during Klinsmann's tenure, a trend also began, one that saw some of America's top stars come back home. After long careers in Europe, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore returned to MLS, cashing in on their huge name recognition stateside with big contracts back home. At the end of the day, those players had more value in the U.S. than they did in Europe, and they capitalized on that value while also raising the level of American soccer. As a result, Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders, the two clubs that signed those three stars, battled atop the league for years while ushering MLS into a new era.

AdvertisementGettyJanuary moves

To start 2024, the USMNT has seen several of its players in the news regarding big transfers. So far, though, those involved have generally opted for the comforts of home over the demands of Europe.

Miles Robinson, a contender to be a starting centerback for the national team, chose FC Cincinnati after leaving Atlanta United as a free agent. Brandon Vazquez will leave Cincy and MLS, but despite reported interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga has instead moved to Liga MX giants Monterrey for a reported $8.5 million fee.

Elsewhere, just a year-and-a-half after leaving MLS for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, Djordje Mihailovic has returned to MLS with the Colorado Rapids, joining Zack Steffen, who signed from Manchester City.

Cade Cowell, too, could be set for a move within North America, with the San Jose Earthquakes youngster linked with Chivas as he looks bound for his next step.

In contrast, Johnny Cardoso has made the move to Europe, joining Real Betis from Internacional in Brazil, but thus far, USMNT transfer season has largely been centered on the U.S. and Mexico.

Getty ImagesThe criticism

When viewing transfers through a Klinsmann-centric lens, you can see why there would be disappointment around those decisions. Among those frustrated is American coach Jesse Marsch, who wanted to see what Robinson in particular could do in Europe.

“Very surprised," the former Leeds United manager told ' soccer podcast 'Call It What You Want'. "I read that with his free agency he had been talking to a few different MLS clubs, but I thought with his talent that now a move to Europe was perfect for him. You never know what the options are, obviously every player has to evaluate what the situation is, what the finances are, and what the opportunities are, but I think a player like him has to be in Europe, has to be testing himself, has to be pushing to be the best that he can be.

"Even if it’s a league like the Championship or Holland or some of these that aren’t the premier leagues, the best way to create a stepping stone to get there is to have a bit on your resume that shows you had a year or year-and-a-half in Europe, playing for clubs that are competing to be in the Champions League or are in the Champions League. Then you can showcase your talents.

"We’ve talked a lot on this show about players that are testing themselves and putting themselves in over their heads – [Ricardo] Pepi is a good example – and being rewarded for it. I find it a bit of a shame, but each player’s situation is a little different.”

GettyQuestions to answer

While Marsch's claims may make sense, not every player's situation is the same. Robinson, for example, is a player who, when healthy, may just be the USMNT's best central defender. If not for a disastrous Achilles injury, he almost certainly would have started at the World Cup in Qatar.

At 26, he's entering his prime, and after years of dominating in MLS, there was a real desire to see him go to Europe and test his game at another level. He hasn't done that, though instead opting to stay close to home with FC Cincinnati.

With players like Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie all testing themselves at a high level in Europe, what will Robinson's decision to remain in MLS mean? Can he reach his potential competing at the same level he's competed at since he became a professional? Can he really raise his level to match players competing against the world's best every week?

Vazquez, meanwhile, is a player on the precipice. Folarin Balogun and Pepi are Gregg Berhalter's top-two striker options, but Vazquez is in that group just behind them. He'd been linked with Borussia Monchengladbach and Brentford, but is now heading to Liga MX; is that level high enough for him to keep pace if Balogun and Pepi keep scoring in Europe?

For both men, the answer to those questions is a resounding no. Both Robinson and Vazquez have been accused of taking the easy, comfortable route. Instead of trying and potentially failing in Europe, they've moved to a perceived lower level and safer situations. For many fans of the USMNT, that decision should have an impact on their national-team status.

However, that mindset is a national team-centric one. At the end of the day, the USMNT isn't the be all and end all for these players, even if it is for the supporters. When it comes down to it, this is real life we're talking about, too.