Donovan gets Bayern Munich trial
By ASN Staff • Nov 11th, 2008 • Category: Yanks on trial
Landon Donovan has started a 10 day trial with Germany’s Bayern Munich, the club reported on its Web site Tuesday. The German language report, quoting Bayern head coach Juergen Klinsmann, says Donovan’s spell with the club is for him to stay in shape. The story provides what is basically a canned quote by Donovan where he reiterates his desire to join the club to stay match fit, as the MLS season does not restart until March.
The news was also reported by kicker.de, which adds that Klinsmann wanted to sign Donovan last summer. The former German national team coach knows Donovan from his former role as L.A. Galaxy technical advisor.
Tuesday afternoon, the Galaxy confirmed the news on their Web site.
*UPDATE*
A German newspaper reports Donovan could join Bayern on a Beckham-style loan arrangement.
The German tabloid Bild even got in on the act, asking “What does Klinsmann want from this Hollywood striker?” and “will this Yank clear the way for Lukas Podolski to leave this winter?” The story has photos from Donovan’s first training session as well.
Donovan is no stranger to German soccer, having spent four years (2001-2005) with Bayer Leverkusen. He made just seven Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen in this time.
Whaddya say U.S. soccer fans? Is Donovan a goner? More importantly, does he have a legitimate chance at seeing first team action at a club as star-laden as Bayern Munich?
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I hope Landon is making the move to my favorite club. I actually think that he could be a very useful player for Bayern. They tend to rely too heavily on Ribery to create offense and having another dynamic playmaking midfielder/forward would take pressure off of some other players. Landon’s pace alone is something that could be extremely useful. He’ll have a tough time breaking the starting XI, but he could be a key sub and still get several starts considering how long their season is.
This 10 day stay is definitely a tryout. He’s not going there for 10 days to “Stay in shape.” I’m happy he’s leaving, I can’t stand the stick that is shoved up his ass that makes him think he’s the best player the us has ever seen. He’s clearly not the best player. Get your ass outta here donovan.
There is a good chance. Podolski is very unhappy at Bayern and wants to leave. Bayern will most likely sell him after midseason to get cash for Tymoschuk or Arshavin. Donovan could be a nice fit as striker No. 3 for the 2nd half of the season and is eligable to play Champions League. Also good for Donovan, he has a chance to present himself and make some cash.
“Donovan is no stranger to German football, having spent four years (2001-2005) with Bayer Leverkusen.”
Haha, Nicely put. He actually quit twice on Leverkusen. the second time after 7(!) games into the season. Most of the 4 years he spent on loan at San Jose Earthquakes
Primadonovan will never cut it in any European league. Should he (god forbid as a Bayern fan) make the transfer to Bayern, he won’t last too long.
He will be competing for a spot with Ribery, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Podolski (insert Gomez, Arshavin, etc. here), Klose and Toni…..After a few matches on the bench he will start whining and crawling back to the MLS where he can be the celebrated ’superstar’ again. Laandycakes might have (had) the talent, but he never had the character to make it in a competitive environment.
In general the MLS should let players go to play in Europe, not ruining their careers by holding them back like Twellman. MLS will be better off with that strategy in the long run sparking more interest into football (ahem, ’soccer’)…
I think he’s got a pretty good chance of making a first squad. I’ve always wondered how some of the top players in the MLS would fair in other ‘better’ leagues, so this should be interesting. It might have an impact on the Galaxy fan base, though, as from what I’ve seen Donovan has quite a following. I think he’ll have an adjustment period and then fit in. Maybe he’ll improve a bit with that kind of competition just to stay on the roster.
Various reports are saying the loan arrangement is a done deal http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=69124&cid=19
This 10 day stay is definitely a tryout. He's not going there for 10 days to “Stay in shape.” I'm happy he's leaving, I can't stand the stick that is shoved up his ass that makes him think he's the best player the us has ever seen. He's clearly not the best player. Get your ass outta here donovan.