Balogun's failed Everton transfer sums up USMNT's underwhelming summer window
Folarin Balogun's move to Everton collapsed on deadline day, while Strasbourg may be Gio Reyna's last-chance saloon. Jeff Carlisle looks at the USMNT's most noteworthy summer transfers.
The summer transfer window has come to a close, and for the USMNT, it's been a underwhelming few months. Folarin Balogun's failed move to Everton is a prime example of the disappointments. The young striker had been linked to the Premier League club for weeks, but ultimately, the deal fell through. This not only stings for Balogun, who would have gained valuable experience playing in one of the world's top leagues, but also for the USMNT, which could have benefited from his growth and goal-scoring prowess.
The struggles of the USMNT in the transfer market are a concern, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. Gio Reyna's loan move to Strasbourg, a French club that finished 15th last season, raises some eyebrows. While it's great that he's getting a move, the fact that it's a loan deal with an option to buy, and not a permanent transfer, suggests that top clubs aren't yet convinced of his abilities. This could be Reyna's last chance to prove himself at a high level, and it will be interesting to see how he performs.
As the USMNT prepares for the World Cup, these transfer developments will be closely watched. The team needs its young stars to gain experience and develop their skills, and a lackluster transfer window doesn't inspire confidence. What's next to watch is how these players perform on the pitch - will Balogun find another opportunity to showcase his talents, and can Reyna turn his Strasbourg stint into a success story? The USMNT faithful will be keeping a close eye on these storylines as the World Cup approaches.
Originally reported by espn.com. SportsNewsletter adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.