Christian Pulisic's splashy transfer exposes gaping flaws in US Soccer
The most expensive US player ever will continue to bear the expectations of a nation, but his move to Chelsea exposes problems within the game in America
As a new year commences so too does a period of reflection on the past 12 months and what potentially waits ahead. When trying to evaluate the state of US Soccer few conclusions seem more fitting than the start to Charles Dickens’ classic A Tale of Two Cities. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
After all, we are just days into January and Christian Pulisic has broken the record for a transfer involving an American. His $73m move from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea far exceeds the previous record held by John Brooks when he relocated from Hertha Berlin to VfL Wolfsburg for $22.4m in 2017 and it also makes Pulisic the third most expensive player aged 20 or younger, behind Kylian Mbappé and former Dortmund teammate Ousmane Dembélé.
Elsewhere, there is a steady emergence of US talent. Some had already agreed transfers to Europe ahead of the new year, such as Tyler Adams and Zack Steffen who will join RB Leipzig and Manchester City respectively. Then there are those already in Europe such as Bundesliga duo Weston McKennie at Schalke and the promising Werder Bremen striker Josh Sargent, to name but a few.
Unfortunately, the optimism centered around what these players could bring to US Soccer is cast alongside a poor couple of years for the federation. Failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup was equal parts embarrassing and devastating. The subsequent process to hire Gregg Berhalter took almost a year and felt turgid, poorly organized, and only ever focused on one candidate – it was hardly a comforting first step into a new era.
It is also one of the reasons there is so much pressure on Pulisic. A move to Chelsea comes with a degree of expectation, but of what level will depend on the club’s summer business. Chelsea are a club in transition. Both Willian and Pedro are in their 30s, and there is also uncertainty surrounding Eden Hazard’s future at the club.
As if that was not stressful enough the 20-year-old Pulisic is also seen as the poster boy for US Soccer. Although there are many talented players within the system, it is Pulisic that is seen as having the most potential. Put simply, he is the man to drive the US men’s national team into the future.
Unfortunately, his own situation also serves to highlight why there are still many flaws in the US system. The Pulisic family likely celebrated their son’s life-changing move to Stamford Bridge, but what of Christian’s youth team, the PA Classics? They should, in theory, be due a solidarity payment estimated to be around $547,000, a vast sum to any youth club.
According to Fifa regulations, when a player is sold overseas, up to 5% of the transfer fee is set aside to be distributed to the youth clubs involved in his training and is known as a solidarity payment. The exact amount depends on how much time the player spent at the youth clubs between his 12th and 23rd birthday.
The PA Classics are unlikely to receive that, however, due to the fact the US does not participate in Fifa’s solidarity payments system. At the time of writing, Washington based youth club Crossfire Premier have submitted a petition to Fifa arguing that the club is entitled to collect solidarity payments for its involvement in DeAndre Yedlin’s development.
This is viewed by many as a landmark moment in US Soccer. If Fifa finds in favor of Crossfire they would be entitled to a substantial sum of money from MLS in the wake of Yedlin’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014.
“We could have $20m, $30m worth of claims,” Crossfire’s attorney, Lance Reich, told the Athletic back in October. “We’re going to have a Madoff moment in American soccer. Everyone is going to wake up and say, ‘Oh my God – how did it get this way? This is far from about the money anymore. Are we Fifa clubs, or are we not Fifa clubs?”
There are said to be similar cases involving the transfers of Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey to European clubs. While some had hoped there would be a ruling in time for the January transfer window that has sadly not materialized. What is clear is that any ruling will have major ramifications on US Soccer and its future.
It is why Dickens’ famous introduction seems so fitting. Pulisic’s transfer indicates a growing improvement in the quality and reputation of American players. The fact, however, that his youth club will not benefit from such a landmark moment highlights a gaping hole in the US system that must be addressed.
India enforce the follow-on against Australia in the Sydney test...Australia have followed on at home after 3 decades. Tremendous performance by Kohli and his men, although this is a somewhat weak Aussie side
Records broken, frontiers conquered: Magical few hours for sports in India
Decade old records broken as India conquered uncharted territories in sports
Proud. One word that Indian skipper Virat Kohli mentioned when asked how he felt about India’s historic Test series victory in Australia. A feeling which resonates with every single sports fan in the country — what a great 24 hours we have had for Indian sports. Starting off 2019 in memorable fashion, India’s football team began its AFC Asia Cup campaign with a thumping victory against Thailand. A moment that will be etched in history books forever, India registered their first victory in 54 years in the tournament.
The country was still rejoicing, coming to terms with this historic victory when India’s Test side — currently the best in the world — changed the dynamics of International cricket as they conquered Australia. India won the four-match Test series 2-1 to register their first every victory in Australia in over 71 years. Ever since India’s first tour way back in 1947/48, we had never won a Test series Down Under, until now.
We had come close on three occasions levelling the series in 1981, 1986 and 2004. There were times — especially in 2004 — when we truly believed that we were going to actually conquer it, but it was not meant to be. The last two times India toured Australia, the visitors were tipped to emerge victorious. In 2011-12, less than a year after winning the Cricket World Cup, India failed to win a single Test in that four-match series. The next one in 2014, the first for Kohli at the helm, we still couldn’t manage a single win — losing two and drawing two.
But 2018 was different. After disappointing results in South Africa and England, the morale was still high. The results overseas were bleak but there was still belief and a sense of ‘this is our time.’ Agreed, Australia were at their weakest — marred by controversies, focused on rebuilding — but it was still going to be a tough task.
There was a lot of buzz before the series began. Will they? Can they? Questions were raised at literally every decision. But as soon as the first ball was bowled at the Adelaide Oval on December 6, India let its cricket do the talking. While Virat Kohli was a class apart in terms of batting in England in 2018, Cheteshwar Pujara stepped up in Australia and led the way. On a pitch when everyone struggled, Pujara took classes in patience and technique.
With the ball, India have been never better. Yes, we have had some great bowlers in the past but India’s bowling attack heading into the series was undoubtedly world-class. A line-up which had no place for Bhuvneshwar Kumar in itself spoke volumes of India’s dominance with the ball. While Mohammed Shami, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and even Kuldeep Yadav had memorable spells in the series, it was the young pacer Jasprit Bumrah who shined under the spotlight. Bumrah has only started playing Test cricket, but he already looks so seasoned and intelligent, putting so much thought behind each and every delivery he bowled.
What does the year hold for these boys now? With a dream start to the season, India will soon switch into World Cup mode as they take on multiple international teams in limited overs cricket between now and the World Cup. While these test results are here to stay, skipper Kohli and Co. now know that it is only the beginning to what could be one of the greatest years in Indian cricket and for once, the dream is real.
The future is only going to get brighter
The last time India won a match in the Asia Cup, The Beatles were visiting United States of America for the first time and Muhammad Ali had just won his monumental bout against Sonny Liston, winning the Heavyweight Title. India’s football team on Sunday, achieved something that was never done before in 54 years — to win a match in the AFC Asia Cup. While the victory in itself was huge, the manner in which India won its opening game against Thailand ensured that it was a moment for the ages.
Thanks to a brace by skipper Sunil Chhetri along with Anirudh Thapa’s chip and Jeje Lalpekhlua’s audacious toe-poke, India had smashed four past Thailand in what was a resounding 4-1 victory. The almost astonishing scoreline is also India’s highest victory margin at the Asia Cup, edging past the 3-1 win over Hong Kong way back in 1964. While the achievement in itself brought tears in the eyes of football fanatics across the country, it was the manner in which they beat one of Asia’s fastest improving teams that made it paramount.
It wasn’t the normal ‘get it done by all means’ kinda football that India had displayed over the last few years. There was a certain level of execution to it — India had found a style of play and stuck to it. While they had a few setbacks in the first half, they were miles apart in the second half. Players like Ashique Kuruniyan, Sandesh Jhingan, Pritam Kotal and Udanta Singh were instrumental in the victory and played as though they were used to it.
A watershed moment in Indian sports
Years from now, many would look back at these couple hours and realise what these results meant for India. These are moments that inspire generations and change the atmosphere altogether. But those are for the future. For now, all we can do is — in the words of Virat Kohli — be proud of these two teams.
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Christian Pulisic's splashy transfer exposes gaping flaws in US Soccer
The most expensive US player ever will continue to bear the expectations of a nation, but his move to Chelsea exposes problems within the game in America
As a new year commences so too does a period of reflection on the past 12 months and what potentially waits ahead. When trying to evaluate the state of US Soccer few conclusions seem more fitting than the start to Charles Dickens’ classic A Tale of Two Cities. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
After all, we are just days into January and Christian Pulisic has broken the record for a transfer involving an American. His $73m move from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea far exceeds the previous record held by John Brooks when he relocated from Hertha Berlin to VfL Wolfsburg for $22.4m in 2017 and it also makes Pulisic the third most expensive player aged 20 or younger, behind Kylian Mbappé and former Dortmund teammate Ousmane Dembélé.
Elsewhere, there is a steady emergence of US talent. Some had already agreed transfers to Europe ahead of the new year, such as Tyler Adams and Zack Steffen who will join RB Leipzig and Manchester City respectively. Then there are those already in Europe such as Bundesliga duo Weston McKennie at Schalke and the promising Werder Bremen striker Josh Sargent, to name but a few.
Unfortunately, the optimism centered around what these players could bring to US Soccer is cast alongside a poor couple of years for the federation. Failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup was equal parts embarrassing and devastating. The subsequent process to hire Gregg Berhalter took almost a year and felt turgid, poorly organized, and only ever focused on one candidate – it was hardly a comforting first step into a new era.
It is also one of the reasons there is so much pressure on Pulisic. A move to Chelsea comes with a degree of expectation, but of what level will depend on the club’s summer business. Chelsea are a club in transition. Both Willian and Pedro are in their 30s, and there is also uncertainty surrounding Eden Hazard’s future at the club.
As if that was not stressful enough the 20-year-old Pulisic is also seen as the poster boy for US Soccer. Although there are many talented players within the system, it is Pulisic that is seen as having the most potential. Put simply, he is the man to drive the US men’s national team into the future.
According to Fifa regulations, when a player is sold overseas, up to 5% of the transfer fee is set aside to be distributed to the youth clubs involved in his training and is known as a solidarity payment. The exact amount depends on how much time the player spent at the youth clubs between his 12th and 23rd birthday.
The PA Classics are unlikely to receive that, however, due to the fact the US does not participate in Fifa’s solidarity payments system. At the time of writing, Washington based youth club Crossfire Premier have submitted a petition to Fifa arguing that the club is entitled to collect solidarity payments for its involvement in DeAndre Yedlin’s development.
This is viewed by many as a landmark moment in US Soccer. If Fifa finds in favor of Crossfire they would be entitled to a substantial sum of money from MLS in the wake of Yedlin’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014.
“We could have $20m, $30m worth of claims,” Crossfire’s attorney, Lance Reich, told the Athletic back in October. “We’re going to have a Madoff moment in American soccer. Everyone is going to wake up and say, ‘Oh my God – how did it get this way? This is far from about the money anymore. Are we Fifa clubs, or are we not Fifa clubs?”
There are said to be similar cases involving the transfers of Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey to European clubs. While some had hoped there would be a ruling in time for the January transfer window that has sadly not materialized. What is clear is that any ruling will have major ramifications on US Soccer and its future.
It is why Dickens’ famous introduction seems so fitting. Pulisic’s transfer indicates a growing improvement in the quality and reputation of American players. The fact, however, that his youth club will not benefit from such a landmark moment highlights a gaping hole in the US system that must be addressed.
Records broken, frontiers conquered: Magical few hours for sports in India
Decade old records broken as India conquered uncharted territories in sports
Proud. One word that Indian skipper Virat Kohli mentioned when asked how he felt about India’s historic Test series victory in Australia. A feeling which resonates with every single sports fan in the country — what a great 24 hours we have had for Indian sports. Starting off 2019 in memorable fashion, India’s football team began its AFC Asia Cup campaign with a thumping victory against Thailand. A moment that will be etched in history books forever, India registered their first victory in 54 years in the tournament.
The country was still rejoicing, coming to terms with this historic victory when India’s Test side — currently the best in the world — changed the dynamics of International cricket as they conquered Australia. India won the four-match Test series 2-1 to register their first every victory in Australia in over 71 years. Ever since India’s first tour way back in 1947/48, we had never won a Test series Down Under, until now.
We had come close on three occasions levelling the series in 1981, 1986 and 2004. There were times — especially in 2004 — when we truly believed that we were going to actually conquer it, but it was not meant to be. The last two times India toured Australia, the visitors were tipped to emerge victorious. In 2011-12, less than a year after winning the Cricket World Cup, India failed to win a single Test in that four-match series. The next one in 2014, the first for Kohli at the helm, we still couldn’t manage a single win — losing two and drawing two.
But 2018 was different. After disappointing results in South Africa and England, the morale was still high. The results overseas were bleak but there was still belief and a sense of ‘this is our time.’ Agreed, Australia were at their weakest — marred by controversies, focused on rebuilding — but it was still going to be a tough task.
There was a lot of buzz before the series began. Will they? Can they? Questions were raised at literally every decision. But as soon as the first ball was bowled at the Adelaide Oval on December 6, India let its cricket do the talking. While Virat Kohli was a class apart in terms of batting in England in 2018, Cheteshwar Pujara stepped up in Australia and led the way. On a pitch when everyone struggled, Pujara took classes in patience and technique.
With the ball, India have been never better. Yes, we have had some great bowlers in the past but India’s bowling attack heading into the series was undoubtedly world-class. A line-up which had no place for Bhuvneshwar Kumar in itself spoke volumes of India’s dominance with the ball. While Mohammed Shami, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja and even Kuldeep Yadav had memorable spells in the series, it was the young pacer Jasprit Bumrah who shined under the spotlight. Bumrah has only started playing Test cricket, but he already looks so seasoned and intelligent, putting so much thought behind each and every delivery he bowled.
What does the year hold for these boys now? With a dream start to the season, India will soon switch into World Cup mode as they take on multiple international teams in limited overs cricket between now and the World Cup. While these test results are here to stay, skipper Kohli and Co. now know that it is only the beginning to what could be one of the greatest years in Indian cricket and for once, the dream is real.
The future is only going to get brighter
The last time India won a match in the Asia Cup, The Beatles were visiting United States of America for the first time and Muhammad Ali had just won his monumental bout against Sonny Liston, winning the Heavyweight Title. India’s football team on Sunday, achieved something that was never done before in 54 years — to win a match in the AFC Asia Cup. While the victory in itself was huge, the manner in which India won its opening game against Thailand ensured that it was a moment for the ages.
Thanks to a brace by skipper Sunil Chhetri along with Anirudh Thapa’s chip and Jeje Lalpekhlua’s audacious toe-poke, India had smashed four past Thailand in what was a resounding 4-1 victory. The almost astonishing scoreline is also India’s highest victory margin at the Asia Cup, edging past the 3-1 win over Hong Kong way back in 1964. While the achievement in itself brought tears in the eyes of football fanatics across the country, it was the manner in which they beat one of Asia’s fastest improving teams that made it paramount.
It wasn’t the normal ‘get it done by all means’ kinda football that India had displayed over the last few years. There was a certain level of execution to it — India had found a style of play and stuck to it. While they had a few setbacks in the first half, they were miles apart in the second half. Players like Ashique Kuruniyan, Sandesh Jhingan, Pritam Kotal and Udanta Singh were instrumental in the victory and played as though they were used to it.
A watershed moment in Indian sports
Years from now, many would look back at these couple hours and realise what these results meant for India. These are moments that inspire generations and change the atmosphere altogether. But those are for the future. For now, all we can do is — in the words of Virat Kohli — be proud of these two teams.