Summer Transfer Window: Next 10 Americans Who Could Make Move to Europe

Just weeks ago, Tim Ream became the latest American to make his way to a European football club.

The 24-year-old defender, formerly of the New York Red Bulls, signed a long-term contract with Bolton that will keep him with the Premier League club until well into 2015.

But whereas news of an American joining an English football club would have been huge news as recently as a couple of years ago, it's becoming more and more commonplace to see Yanks going over to merry ol' England and succeeding.

Clint Dempsey is leading his Fulham club with 10 goals, Brad Friedel is just one clean sheet away from this season's Golden Glove, Jozy Altidore is turning AZ Alkmaar into a consistent threat for the Eredivisie title, and Landon Donovan has helped transform Everton into a club that is knocking off giants more easily than David did Goliath.

But these guys won't last in Europe forever, and a new class of Americans will be needed to replenish the ranks.

That said, I give you the next 10 Americans who will make the transfer over to Europe.

Juan Agudelo, New York Red Bulls

Juan Agudelo was born in Colombia, but his parents moved to the U.S. when he was seven. He's a product of the U.S. youth development system, showing physical prowess when hunting for the ball, intelligence when he's in the open space and great ball control when given possession.

Currently under contract with the New York Red Bulls, Agudelo was given several chances to succeed on the international level when former manager Bob Bradley gave him extensive experience in last summer's Gold Cup.

Zarek Valentin, Montreal Impact

Zarek Valentin is only 20 years old, but he has the versatility to play in a number of systems across Europe. 

He's played one full season for Chivas USA—filling in primarily at right-back—but he played center-back in his two years of college. He'll most likely gain a lot of exposure on the U.S. Olympic team this summer, as well as possibly fill in on a U.S. international team that will be playing a number of World Cup qualification matches this summer against some not-so-stellar competition.

Freddy Adu, Philadelphia Union

It's only a matter of time before Freddy Adu goes back to Europe. The 22-year-old forward was signed by Benfica as a teenager and has earned nearly two dozen caps for the U.S. men's national team.

Adu can provide a lot of offensive versatility for whichever club signs him, earning experience at winger, forward, striker and attacking midfielder.

Brek Shea, FC Dallas

Brek Shea is the most athletic midfielder in the U.S. today.

His combination of a 6'3" frame and the speed to play the attacking winger position on the international level makes him one of the most attractive—if not the most attractive—prospect for clubs in Europe. Perhaps some of the goal-starved clubs in La Liga looking to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona could take a chance on the American. 

Bobby Convey, San Jose Earthquakes

Bobby Convey, who was with the Premier League's Reading from 2004-2009, has been catching his second wind in the MLS with the San Jose Earthquakes.

Look for him to make an impression in this summer's World Cup qualifiers against some pitiful CONCACAF competition.

Michael Orozco-Fiscal, San Luis

Michael Orozco-Fiscal is a versatile player that has professional experience as a defender and midfielder. He has very little experience outside of Mexico.

However, I think he'll have a lot of success in international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers this summer against CONCACAF opponents that are—to put it mildly—absolutely terrible offensively.

Abdul Hamid, D.C. United

Abdul "Bill" Hamid is a very young, very talented goalkeeper whose only professional experience is with D.C. United of the MLS, but the Virginia native earned his first international cap this year under new manager Jurgen Klinsmann.

If there's one position at which the U.S. has consistently churned out great players, it's goalkeeper. Tim Howard, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller are just a few of the players who reaped the benefits of the U.S. youth development system.

Hamid already has some—albeit very little—experience in the Premier League with a two-week stint with West Bromwich Albion in October 2011.

Edgar Castillo, Tijuana

Edgar Castillo, a speedy left-back whose experience consists of six years in Mexico's Primera Division, is quickly earning his spot on the U.S. men's national team as a reserve player.

He's a humble player who is incredible at supporting the attack and is the only American who has had the benefit of learning in Mexico's soccer youth system.

Jeff Larentowicz, Colorado Rapids

Jeff Larentowicz, one of the most popular players in the MLS, is an older prospect but one who has garnered some attention recently from new U.S. men's national coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

The fiery redhead has shown he has what it takes to collect silverware in North America—winning the MLS Championship in 2010 and consistently performing at the top level in the CONCACAF Champions League.

His most recent stint with Bolton in 2011 further shows that Larentowicz hasn't hit his glass ceiling yet. Depending on where Bolton ends up after the 2011-12 season—whether the Premier League or the Championship—the 28-year-old midfielder could find himself in England.

Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy

Did you really think we'd get through this entire slideshow without mentioning Landon Donovan?

Sure, the LA Galaxy midfielder has had several stints at Everton—the most recent happening currently—but I think it's after this season that the English club keeps him. He's shown himself to be instrumental in both of Everton's wins over Manchester City and Chelsea and what else is there for him in the MLS? The American has captured all the silverware he can with the LA Galaxy and needs to show he has what it takes to play across the pond.