AMSTERDAM — The silliest time of all has rolled around again, with all warned to keep arms and legs inside Europe's summer transfer window roller coaster at all times. We're here to make sure you get to the other end of the ride with a good grip on the various situations involving US internationals employed overseas.
Then, foolishly, we'll let those hands fly high with every coaster drop to hazard an educated (or wild) guess at where each player might land.
Michael Bradley
The Chievo midfield generale (right) is a current case study of how one shouldn't believe everything they read in the foreign tabloids.
He's being relentlessly linked to AS Roma these days. While the 24-year-old is in fact highly rated by technical director Walter Sabatini, Italian sources tell MLSsoccer.com the American-owned club won't be chasing any players until they name a new manager.
He's also been mentioned as an Anderlecht crush, which may well be true. Either way, it seems quite reasonable to assume that even Champions League action would not be enough to make Bradley leave Serie A for Belgium. His transfer value perhaps doubled this season, so unless Bayern Munich suddenly call, rumors of returns to Germany or the Netherlands are probably also fluff.
One recent rumor you can believe is Italian paper L'Arena's assertion this week that old admirers Palermo have entered talks for Bradley. On Wednesday, a source confirmed some discussions have taken place between the Sicilians and Chievo. And let's not forget that The Armchair Analyst previously reported Inter Milan were weighing a summer offer for the midfielder, so they remain in frame.
Destination unknown: It might be a great time to break into Inter and Palermo are far better than they showed last season. Still, the gut says he stays another six months with Chievo to spark major demand.
Terrence Boyd
The Borussia Dortmund II goal shark could seal a move as early as this weekend, MLSsoccer.com has learned. Also, loan offers are out and he will definitely be leaving soon.
Braunschweig have dropped out of the race, but Europa League entrants Rapid Vienna remain in, along with at least a pair of 2.Bundesliga sides. Sources have indicated that Rapid — an option suggested by USMNT coach Andrea Herzog — lead the race, but the club declined comment on Wednesday.
Destination unknown: Let's not over-think it. Rapid have a solid record of coaching attackers.
Ricardo Clark
Stabaek loan midfielder Ricardo Clark's stint ends along with June, and a source indicated to that the veteran is unlikely to remain with the Blue Ones.
Expect Clark (right) to go looking for a new employer upon his return to Eintracht Frankfurt. Heading back to MLS could become a great option, but another interesting door could open; sources say Gregg Berhalter might try to lure his old Western Conference rival to Hammarby to add experience for their promotion drive.
Destination unknown: Much too soon to call, at least until Clark is no longer out on loan. He will move this summer, though.
Clint Dempsey
As with Bradley, don't believe everything that goes around. Last year, hot links AS Roma and Liverpool were actually nowhere near the Fulham star, while other clubs were. Seeing Liverpool and Tottenham reports is great, but those teams and others don't have the Champions League berth Dempsey openly desires.
Arsenal have one, a Clint crush and the need. At various times, English rags have linked him to Chelsea and the Manchester clubs, all of whom have the magic ticket. MLSsoccer.com has learned that a few clubs in Italy and Spain that pass the requirement are still monitoring the situation. All in all, this saga should last a while.
Destination unknown: Why not move and stay home at the same time? Deep down, Arsene Wenger knows he needs to get straight-shooter Texas Deuce to Arsenal for some true grit.
Mikkel Diskerud
With his loan spell from Stabaek loan expiring, Gent appear set to decide on their buy option. If it's a no, other admirers will come out of the woodwork.
Destination unknown: Despite a few Belgian tabloid reports to the contrary, the guess here is Mix may join Gent permanently.
Maurice Edu, Alejandro Bedoya and Carlos Bocanegra
Until Rangers find a buyer, there isn't much to earnestly discuss with any of the Rangers trio. All three have potential suitors in Europe if administrators rule them sale items.
Destinations unknown: Side variables make guessing a real stab in the dark ... so let's proceed in just that manner. Odds suggest one of the three may have to go and the smart money says it's Edu eventually off to England or France.
Bryan Gerzicich
The freshly crowned Israeli champion, Bryan Gerzicich recently told MLSsoccer.com that he had an extension offer from Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona, but no agreement. It's likely the defensive midfielder will test the free agent waters, with domestic reports claiming interest from Tel Aviv sides Hapoel and Maccabi.
Destination unknown: Hapoel Tel Aviv have the Europa League berth, so let's go with them.
Brad Guzan
Set to run out of contract at Aston Villa, the US No. 2 (right) has had plenty of interest, split fairly evenly between EPL and Championship outfits. Old loan employers Hull seem to be out now and QPR found other targets, but there's still a decent crowd to pick from.
Destination unknown: The scene has been all hush-hush, so this is a tough call. How does joining old boss Martin O'Neill at Sunderland sound?
Stuart Holden
Last week, a Turkish outlet breathlessly reported that Fenerbahçe were eager to land the recovering Bolton ace.
Destination known: The entertaining midfielder told his Twitter followers these silly season rumors were nothing more than that. Holden stays a Wanderer next season.
Sacha Kljestan
Anderlecht's Sacha Kljestan has been scouted by some fairly heady clubs in recent months, including former admirers FC Twente and Fulham.
Destination known: It's all for naught, at least for now. MLSsoccer.com has learned that the midfielder is close to agreeing to an improved Anderlecht deal. His pact is set to be extended by two years, tying him to the Belgian champs until the summer of 2016.
Zak Whitbread
It's likely that the defender's injury history facilitated his free agent release from Norwich City. The 28-year-old played well enough in 18 EPL games this season to have the likes of promoted Reading and Sunderland among several clubs in the top two flights ringing him up of late.
Destination unknown: For no great reason, let's send him to Reading.
