Bayern Wants to Sign Donovan

By: jen | November 20th, 2008

While Landon will be flying home on Friday, Bayern Munich have stated they would like to sign him to play during the MLS off season. It seems Donovan was given a verbal agreement that he could pursue playing in Europe during the off season, just as Beckham has done. Bayern wants him, but would ideally like him to stay for the remainder of their season.

How much would Bayern Munich have to pay for those rights? Here is an excerpt from the NY Times Blog interview with MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

Q: If it got this far, what kind of transfer fee do you think the league would seek for Donovan?

A: Hard to put a figure on it, but we had a 20-year-old, Jozy Altidore, who has only played in a handful of games for the national team who we sold for $10 million. It’s hard to imagine that perhaps our most valuable player isn’t worth at least that much, if not much more. If someone wants to buy Landon they need to be aware that he is one of most valuable players in the in history of our league.

Does anybody know how deep Bayern Munich’s pockets are. Donovan has received high praise from manager Jurgen Klinsmann.

“He (Donovan) is an incredibly fast player,” Klinsmann said. “He is a completely different type of forward from the ones we have here.”

I hope Landon is not only signed, but becomes an indispensable part of their first team offense. I’ll post an update as soon as I know more.

Some Related Galaxy Posts:

Category: Player News

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Jan

Go! Landon.. you deserve the chance to play at a higher level... i really enjoy watching you with Galaxy and Boy! you will be missed but though i'd rather see you in the Premiere League (as that's the one i watch) i'll definitely be watching for any Games you Play for the German League. You're a heck of a Player. Good luck.
George

Quick Note: Simon Elliot is training with the Galaxy. He's 34 years old and without a club; could he be our solution for defensive midfielder? Also, youth academy signing Tristan Bowen scored against the Real Madrid reserves with the U-20 U.S. team

I got this new from the official Galaxy blog:
http://thelagalaxy.blogspot.co...
Glen

We all know he's a great player and I think he's ready to take on the German League. With great players around him it'll be fun to see what happens and what he can do. There is no doubt this will only make him a better player for our national team. I hate to see him leave our Galaxy if that should come, but this is a perfect opportunity for his career.
jen

I agree with your last paragraph especially.

When Landon was there before he was YOUNG! I mean, this was not long after the Brandi Chastain copy of whipping his shirt off and wearing a sports bra. Even HE admits he was younger, and is embarrassed by it now.

This is a different Landon Donovan. And yes, he is VERY motivated now. He knows this is it. Do or die time.
Brian Ply

This would be a great move towards Landon's future development that has been somewhat long in coming.
While I respect his play and the attributes he has brought to the U.S. National team, this could have been greatly expedited by the more professional disposition he is showing now, when he was at Bayer Leverkusen. Many "excuse givers" say he wasn't given a fair shake there.
Wrong. Leverkusen gave him every opportunity to shine and all he could do was cry about being away from his family and girlfriend (now wife). Bayer Leverkusen and Klaus Augenthaller (then manager) wanted him and needed him to perform. Landon's lack of professionalism led to Bayer deciding it wasn't worth it and releasing him to return to MLS and mediocrity.
I rather doubt Leverkusen will experiment with "Amis" in the future based on this experience and that had with the trials and tribulationsof Frankie Heyduk in 2002 when a transfer to 1 F.C. Nuremberg was arranged which would have allowed Frankie the ability to play first team football over the Regionaliga situation he was in at Bayer (due mostly to professional demeanor and attitude).
Returning to Donovan's situation, I was impressed with his "Deutschespraeche" in interview and the reports of his training performance. I truly hope his attitude is that of improving and demonstrating his skills at the highest level. This will pay dividends for the National Team and open doors for future top "Amis" to make an impression and play in Germany. There are few playing here in comparison to England and Luis Robles, Steve Cherundolo, David Yeldell, Heath Pearce and Matt Taylor are doing relatively well with struggling sides.
In addition, maybe his performance and success will translate well and assist Neven Subotic towards deciding to play for the U.S.A.
Bottom line, top American players like the aforementioned need to be playing in Europe and improving their skills, paying their dues and making it happen for the future success of American football. MLS level stars are not going to make that happen!