Clint Dempsey: Breaking Down the Best Fits for the Forward in a Transfer

Trying to determine an ideal landing spot for Fulham absentee Clint Dempsey is fairly simple. He's expressed a desire to land on a team competing in the Champions League, which means Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all logical landing spots.

Neither Manchester club is likely to add Dempsey, since each outfit already has enough options in attack. Therefore, we can narrow the field slightly. With Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar at Stamford Bridge—and with rumored interest in Edinson Cavani, per the Daily Mail—Chelsea isn't a likely destination either.

Does that mean we're down to only Arsenal? 

Not exactly. There are several other clubs who should compete for a Champions League spot this year. Let's break down Dempsey's fit at each. 

Arsenal

To me, no club makes more sense for Dempsey than Arsenal. They're in the Champions League this season, they could certainly use another goal-scoring forward after losing Robin van Persie and the American could thrive on the wing in Arsene Wenger's 4-3-3.

The only problem is, it's hard to imagine Wenger paying a premium to land a 29-year-old player. I love this fit, but I don't see it happening. 

Liverpool

No team has been mentioned for Dempsey's services more than Liverpool. Like at Arsenal, Dempsey would be a nice fit in the style Brendan Rodgers employs, and the Reds could certainly use a bit of punch in their attack.

Perhaps if the club is able to sell Andy Carroll, Liverpool will make a bid for the Fulham star. That being said, I have to think that if Liverpool had serious interest in Dempsey, they would have made a move for him already. 

Perhaps the Reds are hoping his price will come down as the transfer deadline draws near. It's unlikely this will happen, either way, with Fulham holding the leverage.

Tottenham

A day or two ago, this would have made more sense. Spurs were looking a bit thin in attack, especially after a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle. 

However, the club finally came to terms on a permanent deal with now former Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor. In addition, the club apparently has eyes for forwards Willian and Leandro Damiao, according to the Daily Mail. Dempsey might be a last-minute backup plan, but it would seem Spurs' aspirations lay elsewhere.

Newcastle

The forward Newcastle is most likely to add—if Liverpool ever lowers its demands—is Andy Carroll. However, with Newcastle offering just £12 million for the striker, that seems unlikely to happen. 

Therefore, Dempsey is a possibility, but with Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa already on the roster, Newcastle isn't dying to add a player like Dempsey. Keep them in mind as a possibility, but of the above teams listed, Newcastle is the least likely to add him.

Verdict

If Tottenham fails to land the other forwards they are said to have interest in, they would make the most sense. They don't have a lot of depth at forward and they were only kept out of the Champions League this year due to Chelsea winning the tournament last season.

Arsenal is a possibility, but it would be an extremely un-Wenger-like move. Newcastle is a long shot at best.

That leaves Liverpool as the best, most realistic option. I still believe Rodgers and the Reds will make this happen, but they'll likely take this to the wire to get the best deal for Dempsey. If they can't free up some cash in a Carroll swap, they may be out of the running altogether.

In other words, Dempsey may have to actually make an awkward Fulham return this season. Ouch.

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