Multiple European Clubs Have Reported Interest in Clint Dempsey
By Ty Duffy
Here is Goal.com’s list: Arsenal, Schalke 04, Roma, Malaga, Valencia and Sevilla. Details are scarce. The list could be complete crap, though on paper each club seems at least plausible.
Arsenal: The Gunners are the English club most often linked and Dempsey would be on the radar of Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis, last employed by MLS. He would be useful, though it would be out of character for Arsene Wenger to pay peak value for a player turning 30.
Schalke 04: The Bundesliga has been American-friendly in recent years. With Dutchman Klaas Jan Huntelaar and, potentially, Raul gone next season, the German club will need to replace goals. Schalke almost surely will qualify for the Champions League next year. Demspey could be a solid signing for them.
Roma: Links to Donovan and Dempsey have been flying, because Roma now have an American owner. The Italian club could use Dempsey’s versatility and fresh legs, with Totti turning 36 in September. The trouble is the Champions League. Roma likely won’t get there this season. With just Champions League places for Serie A, they will have a hard time qualifying next year as well.
Malaga, Valencia, Sevilla: Dempsey has the technical quality to play in Spain. He’s been rumored to speak a bit of Spanish. The issue there will be cost. Malaga, on paper, have wealthy Qatari owners but received a transfer ban last January, amidst multiple complaints over outstanding debts. Valencia, caught out by the housing crisis, have been dumping players, cashing in on David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata in recent seasons. Sevilla may be the best option, though presently in 9th, it’s unlikely they return to the Champions League in 2012.
If Dempsey’s salary demands are reasonable, the likely hangup will be the transfer fee. Don’t rule out a club with cash like Tottenham, Liverpool or Newcastle flying in with both feet and overpaying for him.
[Photo via Getty]