The LA Galaxy is set to make "a major player announcement" Wednesday afternoon in which it is expected Landon Donovan will confirm a loan deal to play for Everton of the English Premier League. It has hardly been a secret, as SB Nation's Daily Soccer Fix points out, saying, "unless something goofy happens, he’ll report on or around Jan. 2 and be eligible immediately at
Landon Donovan Expected To Announce Move To Everton Wednesday
The only thing that remains to be announced, so it would seem, is whether this is a full spring loan, whereby Donovan would be unable to return to the Galaxy until the summer transfer window, after the World Cup, or whether this loan will be shaped similar to last year’s short-term lease deal with Bayern Munich. In that case, Donovan would be available to the Toffees, most likely, through March before returning to sunny So Cal to start in time for the MLS season.
This would mark Donovan's fourth European appearance, and if it successful, that would be a first. He has twice played with Bayer Leverkusen and for a brief time was with Bayern Munich, and all three stints were disappointing. So why would Everton be different? Their keeper, Tim Howard, just so happens to be Donovan's teammate on the U.S. Men's National Team.
“He is a tremendous player,” goalkeeper Tim Howard told Everton’s official Web site. “He’d be a good addition to any team and particularly this team.”
That ringing endorsement from his U.S. teammate isn’t exactly a surprise, but it can help pave the way for Donovan a bit, especially given the high esteem the Everton faithful has for Howard. Americans haven’t always been instant hits in England, but the ones who have done well have paved the road for others. For every Claudio Reyna and Brian McBride who succeeds, that’s another potential chance for a Clint Dempsey or a Brad Guzan. So it’s no surprise to see Howard talking up Donovan’s skills like a scout.
“He can play wide right and underneath the strikers,” Howard said. “He has good pace with the ball and he runs and runs all day long. He’s got a fantastic touch with both his left and right. He can cross the ball well and shoot the ball well -- he has got a bunch of attributes that mean he’ll do well in the Premier League.”
The official press conference is schedule for Wednesday at 3 p.m. EST.
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