It’s the transfer season in European soccer, and it’s clear that some European clubs are eyeing American players who ply their trade in Major League Soccer (MLS). It’s a testament to the improving quality of MLS and the leagues’ rising reputation as a talent ground for European scouts.

One team in particular has had an eye on bringing in several American players over the years. That team is Fulham of the English Premier League. Currently, four U.S. internationals play at Fulham: Brian McBride, Clint Dempsey, Carlos Bocanegra and Kasey Keller. That number of Americans on one EPL squad is unheard of. And now those four at Fulham will be joined by a fifth American: Kansas City striker Eddie Johnson. Story here: http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/blog/sow_experts/post/Eddie-off-to-USA-Unite...

The transfer fee Fulham will pay will eclipse the previous record fee paid for Clint Dempsey, and is reportedly in the $5 million range. That’s just amazing that a player like Eddie Johnson can garner that kind of transfer fee.

I’m not saying he’s not a good player. He is and he has a knack for the goal. But he has many limitations, most clearly seen in his play for the U.S. National Team. He can’t face up goal and works best with space or when he makes a run/cut and takes a pass. But can he create on his own? No. I look at our future at the striker position with the Nats and I’m much more encouraged by the play of 18 year old wunderkind Jozy Altidore. He is the real deal, exemplified by the recent interest in him by Spanish giants Real Madrid.

I wish Eddie the best of luck as he crosses the pond to Fulham. He will have other compatriots to help him transition and he will be tested week in and week out. He will have to fight for minutes and if he cracks the starting lineup, he will have to battle hard to stay there. If he succeeds, he can do wonders to help the team many are now calling “America United” and help his own development with an eye towards the World Cup in South Africa a little more than two years from now.