Despite a heavy link with Liverpool the American want’s Champions League football, who could provide it for him? Could it be Arsenal?
With all the talk about Clint Dempsey moving to Liverpool it might be fair to notice that Brendan Rodgers will have some challengers for the American forward. Dempsey has retracted himself from Fulham’s pre-season camp in Switzerland and appears destined for the exit, but with a dream of playing Champions League football, and at 29 years old, maybe he could go elsewhere?
Arsenal
Despite being 29 and therefore not necessarily meeting Wengers usual criteria the Frenchman is a reported long term admirer of the Fulham attacker. With a versatility and technicality that appeals to Arsenal; Wenger may decide a player with Premier League experience is needed to steady the ship in a summer of upheaval in the Arsenal attacking line-up. Clint may favour a move to another London club so this is a deal that could be pulled out from underneath Liverpool’s feet if they are not careful.
Bayern Munich
His manager for the national team is Bayern legend Jurgen Klinsmann who has publically declared his desire for Dempsey to move on and play for a bigger club. He would suit the German side’s style of play and would give healthy competition to either of the wide men or the centre forward position. With his intelligent style of play the Bundesliga would be a good avenue for the American and he could make the move to The Allianz.
Schalke 04
It has been a tentative link but a link nonetheless with the Bundesliga outfit. They have had a decent few seasons, including an appearance in the Champions League Semi Final in 2011. After finishing 3rd in the Bundesliga last time out they can provide him with the Champions League football he craves and the chance to play with USA teammate Jermaine Jones would also be a draw. However, despite being possibly the weakest team on the list, Clint may struggle for a first team spot after the signing of Chinedu Obasi and emergence of Julian Draxler and Temmu Pukki at the Gelsenkirchen side.
Juventus
After a period away the Old Lady is back in Europe and needs to add strength in depth in the frontline with Iaquinta, Amauri and Toni all being moved on this summer. After seeing their moves for Robin Van Persie and Steven Jovetic dry up rumours surfaced that the Turin side may go for the man who unceremoniously dumped them out of Europe with a sublime chip in 2010.
And here that chip is …
Could Clint join these or any other clubs? Or is the move to Liverpool bolted on?
image: © NathanF
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