LANDON DONOVAN COMING TO PSG?!?!?

By: Thomas | August 22nd, 2009

Yesterday, when sifting through football related sites looking for PSG news, I came across several stories claiming that PSG and the Los Angeles Galaxy are negotiating some kind of deal for striker Landon Donovan. Several sites have reported that Donovan, 27, is looking to come to Europe to prepare for the 2010 World Cup. This would indicate that it would be a loan deal during the MLS offseason similar to David Beckham’s loan to AC Milan last winter. However, some sources believe it could also be a permanent transfer.

I have mixed feelings about this deal. I have no idea how he will preform as he has never played much in Europe and I have seen him play on very few occasions. This means that it is difficult to predict where he will fit in on the depth chart. He would almost definitely be behind Hoarau, than Erding, and than it goes up it the air. He could really fit in anywhere else, or, if he does well, he might challenge for a starting spot. He can also play as a winger, so he could be a Rothen replacement? Assuming he leaves, which is another story for another post. Again, I have no idea where he would fit in. One positive of this potential deal is that it would raise the profile of Ligue 1 and more specifically PSG in the U.S., which has obvious benefits like more matches on TV (maybe), jerseys and paraphernalia more accessible, etc.

This would also help PSG’s image in the United States, which, from reading the 200 some comments on this article, seems very negative. The commenters seem to believe that PSG and its fans have a “racism problem”. As a PSG fan, I find this extremely offensive. I assume they are referring to this incident as well as other smaller incidents. First of all, this has nothing to do with the club, as well as the vast majority of supporters. The racism can be at least partially attributed to the mentality of the city of Paris, as well as the nation’s current government. Looking at you Nicolas Sarkozy. Anyway, the commenters also seemed very ignorant of the club in terms of sporting matters, many of them stating that Donovan would probably pair up with Kezman in the starting attack. What the hell? They must have just glanced at the team sheet on Wikipedia, and recognized one name in the forward section from his Chelsea/Atletico days and assumed he was starter. Fail.

To wrap up the Donovan info, Jen over at the LA Galaxy Offside has told me that it has been confirmed that the clubs have made contact, but it’s still a rumor that the deal has already been signed.

In other transfer news, Goal.com has linked PSG with a move for out of contract former Valencia player and Spanish International, Miguel Angel Angulo. Blah. Surprisingly, other clubs are interested including Everton and Bolton. To me this guy is a less good version of Fernando Morientes. I say that because I know nothing about him, he played at a big Spanish club forever, looks like Fernando, is available for free, and Ligue 1 clubs are interested.

Also, Mathieu Valbuena is a target for Paris, since he isn’t wanted at OM. They have set an asking price of 7 million euros, but he could also come on a season long loan. That sounds pretty good if you ask me.

Don’t worry, you’re match report is coming soon! But, just because you readers are so awesome, here are the highlights:

It’s really bad quality, so I’ll find something better, but if you didn’t see the match…