Potential MLS Strike Could Allow Donovan To Extend Stay At Everton

It is well known now that Landon Donovan’s stay at Everton has been a successful one. He was voted as Everton’s player of the month in January and has expressed his desire to stay with the Toffees past his current ten week loan from the LA Galaxy which is set to expire after tomorrow’s Premier League game against Birmingham City. While the Galaxy are refusing to negotiate an extension the Donovan’s loan, an impending MLS strike could change all that.

From the Everton team website:

There remains speculation that a strike by players in the MLS could yet take place - delaying the start of the new MLS season beyond March 25.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to St Andrews, David Moyes said: “The loan officially finishes tomorrow and we will send him back but I think there is still a chance that the players there might strike and if that was the case then we are able to keep him, no problem.”

[...]Donovan has certainly impressed at Goodison during his time in England. And Moyes is thankful for the contribution the US international has made.

The Goodison chief added: “He has done great since he arrived here. He came in and played and settled in very quickly with the players. He has had an impact in the period that he has been here so we couldn’t ask for much more from him.

”I think he will go back to America and say ‘Wow that is where I want to be’. I think he will think to himself I really enjoy playing in America and it is great. I live in a great place and play for a great team but boy do I want to play in the Premier League. That is what I think he will look back with.

“I would miss Goodison if I got the reception he got last week and the treatment he got last week from the supporters - because everybody wants to be somewhere they are loved and cherished. I am sure that is the case back home as well but I think there is a different situation when you are playing in arguably the best league in the world and against the best players. If you want to be recognised in that position then I think Landon will say I would like that opportunity to give it a go.”

Donovan has little choice but to return to the Galaxy if a deal is unable to be worked out. He signed a four year contract extension with the Galaxy before he was loaned to Everton that only allows him to seek loans during the MLS off-season. It is surely in the USMNT’s best interest to have Donovan remain in England, playing against the world’s best players as the World Cup approaches. However, it does not seem as if former national team coach and current Galaxy coach, Bruce Arena, sees it that way.