US internationals heading for Europe and the non-seismic shift

It’s easy enough to get excited when you hear the whispers of US international players potentially making European moves this summer but again, context is key.

Traditionally, European football has been for the select few US Women’s National Team stars, and it has never been a long-term option for anyone who gets their wages from the US Soccer Federation.

Unlike most players around the world, American internationals draw their salary from their federation and as such, are contractually obligated to play in the NWSL. Those who have a spell outside of NWSL, such as Carli Lloyd at Manchester City or Alex Morgan at Lyon in 2017 were able to as it was a non-tournament year for the USA, and both had a certain amount of clout.

Other US internationals in the past – Megan Rapinoe at Lyon and Christen Press, during her first trip to Sweden – have rather different stories to tell.

Ticking over

In recent times, some American players have opted to double-head an NWSL season with a W-League one as it gives a full year’s worth of football, but as many Australians will tell you, it can make for a gruelling year. It is also vitally, an option that keeps the players in the NWSL and available for selection for the national team without too much hassle. Being able to be called into a USWNT camp and suit up for their country remains paramount. Again, it’s crucial to remember, US Soccer is the sole employer of these players, which is an oddity to most football fans, especially those in Europe who are used to club clout.

The problem facing the USWNT, US Soccer and players is the NWSL Challenge Cup has come and gone, and when and where football will be played again in the States remains a large question mark.

With the US national team eyeing gold at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics next July-August, it’s of high importance that the players in the current pool get some more football under their belts before next Spring. If we are to assume that the 2021 NWSL season will run a normal course (a high assumption given what is happening in the world right now), it will be kicking off in mid-April and even an extended pre-season would leave most players twiddling their thumbs until February. Hence why we’re seeing NWSL players and US national teamers looking to Europe.

A half – or full, if their federation is willing – season on the continent, be it in England, France, Spain, Germany or anywhere else that strikes the fancy will keep the players in the best condition ahead of the Olympic Games.

Status quo

For some commenters, hearing Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle strongly linked with moves to Manchester City, has prompted suggestions of a seismic shift in women’s world football. The truth of the matter is, Europe is still only as viable for USWNT players as US Soccer will let it be.

It is again, prudent to remember that members of the US women’s national team are routinely pulled away from their league commitments to take part in USWNT camps and friendlies outside of FIFA windows. Even if (and it is a big if), European teams were willing to give up their players at the request of US Soccer, having players flying thousands of miles back and forth across the Atlantic so frequently during the season is far from conducive.

So, whilst some will tell you that Mewis moving to City is the start of a new dawn in women’s football, I’m here to tell you that the status quo is unlikely to change.

 

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