Thomas Leemon's Top 10 American Transfers of the Summer

I recently wrote an article about my top twenty European transfers of the summer (Thomas Leemon's Top 20 Transfers of the Summer).  It was a pretty boring transfer market for European players. However, the Americans had a very busy and exciting time at the market. 

Here's my list of top ten American transfers (all amounts are in dollars).

10. Zach Wells

from Houston Dynamo to DC United

Zach Wells is coming to DCU! And I'm not excited. The guy's a perfect example of mediocrity in MLS. I don't expect much from him this season. He's gonna have to make a great comeback for me to like him.  However, he's a big name so therefore, he makes it to #10.

9. Jeff Cunningham

From Toronto FC to FC Dallas

traded for a third round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft

Jeff Cunningham, MLS's fourth top goalscorer of all time, had just joined Toronto in May, but saw himself moving once again. This time to Dallas.  He's had a terrific season there thus far.  He recently netted his 100th career goal and is forming a great partnership with sharpshooter, Kenny Cooper.

8. Eddie Johnson

from Kansas City Wizards to Fulham (on loan to Cardiff City)

$6 million

The Kansas City star is joining the exodus out of America and going across the pond.  Fulham have rid themselves of most of the American contingent at the club.  The exceptions being Clint Dempsey, and Eddie Johnson. Johnson has had a great season in MLS but I'm not too sure he'll become the next Brian McBride. For now, he'll have to wait to show Fulham what he can do. He's being loaned out to Cardiff City for the season. 

7. Brad Guzan

from Chivas USA to Aston Villa

$1.2 million

Why Guzan made the jump to Villa at this point of his life, I have no idea. He was having a great season at Chivas and to become backup to Brad Friedel is a significant step down.  Guzan has a promising future though. He was named MLS goalkeeper of the year in 2007, and will surely do well once he gets a chance.

6. Kasey Keller

to Seattle Sounders FC

free agent

After the 2007-2008 season, Fulham refused to sign Keller to an extension.  Why they didn't is something I would like to know. Keller was Seattle's second signing since they announced that they'd be part of MLS in 2009.  This signing by the future MLS club is one of the greatest steals in MLS history. At last, this legend of a goalkeeper comes home. And the best part is, that he gets to play for his hometown club.

5. Michael Bradley

from Heerenveen to Borussia Mönchengladbach

undisclosed fee

The son of USA head coach, Bob Bradley, Michael has been a force in Dutch soccer since 2005. In January 2008, he broke the record for the most goals (17) scored in a single season by an American-born player playing in a European first division, which was previously held by Brian McBride. This has to be one of the better American signings of the summer. The guy's learned well. This is one person that hopes he will impress in the Bundesliga.

4. Maurice Edu

from Toronto FC to Rangers FC

$4.8 million

Sorry Glasgow fans, Edu is not DaMarcus Beasley. He doesn't have that creative streak that Beasley has. All Edu can do is score goals. Don't worry though, he's got alot of potential. Just put him through a vigorous training session for a season and you got a decent goal scorer. I'm definitely watching this guy because he played for University of Maryland, 30 minutes away from my house.

3. Freddy Adu

on loan from SL Benfica to AS Monaco

Let's see, Lisbon or Monaco? I pick Monaco...well, that's what kid-wonder, Freddy Adu did.  Although highly touted in his MLS days, we've yet to see him make it big on the world stage. However, he's got skills and he's only 19. He has plenty of time to develop. If his European career doesn't work out though, there's always a spot for him at MLS.

2. Jozy Altidore

from Red Bull New York to Villarreal CF

$10 million

Villarreal paid a record fee for any MLS player ever and their money isn't gonna be wasted either.  With his massive American body and quickness, Altidore is sure to make an impression at La Liga. His career there is already at a flying start. In his debut for the Spanish club, he scored a hat trick as Villareal demolished the opposition, 7-0. For more info on his performance since one of my latest articles, Jozy Altidore Scores Hat Trick As Villareal Demolish San Rafael, 7-0.

1. Brian McBride

to Chicago Fire

free agent

America's soccer legend has come home. McBride is one of the best signings in the history of  MLS. He was an ambassador to Europe and showed that Americans can play soccer. For more than a decade he wowed crowds in Europe. For more info on him, see one of my first articles Brian McBride: An American Soccer Legend .  He's coming to a talent-filled squad in Chicago, where he's become teammates with Mexican star Cuahtemoc Blanco and rising star Justin Mapp. Look out MLS, the Chicago Fire are coming.

That's it folks, my top ten American transfers of the summer. Who do you think should be included or excluded? Whose the top American transfer of the summer? Let me know with your comments down below.