DeAndre Yedlin to Spurs, is it the Right Move?

DeAndre Yedlin has hardly had a chance to breathe upon his return to the U.S.  Since the youngster took one last look at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador and begrudgingly walked off the pitch after Romelu Lukaku extinguished America’s dreams, Yedlin has been barraged with European interest.  Rumors that Roma, Liverpool and Lyon were after the fleet footed right back surfaced.  Multiple sources reported that deals were close to finalized, but nothing came to fruition.  After many thought that the drama might be over, Taylor Twellman broke some new pieces of information.

“Spurs is a tricky place to play…They’re a team that has a lot of turnover in players.” – Kasey Keller

Twellman, considered one of the most reliable sources of information on U.S. soccer, tweeted Wednesday that Tottenham Hotspur has leapfrogged all other suitors and would look to loan Yedlin back to the Sounders before deciding what his future held with the London based club.  Goal USA is also reporting that the deal is very close to being completed for 3.2 to 3.5 million dollars.    If Seattle and Spurs can finalize the deal, Yedlin will be the third Yankee to play for Spurs, following in the foot steps of Clint Dempsey and current Spurs goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

Aug 6, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; MLS All Stars defenseman DeAndre Yedlin (17) of the Seattle Sounders defends against Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski (9) during the 2014 MLS All Star Game at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

After his second MLS All-Star appearance last night, the 21-year-old told the Seattle Times that a move was imminent when he said, “Nothing is really finalized yet. I’m waiting, letting my agency handle it.” The discussion regarding Yedlin’s future in Europe and how it would affect his growth as a player has been exhausted in past months, but fellow American and current Spurs keeper Keller had some interesting thoughts on the predicament.  The seasoned veteran of European soccer told Goal, “Spurs is a tricky place to play…They’re a team that has a lot of turnover in players…and they are always looking for a bargain.”  

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Keller makes some very valid points.  24-year-old English international Kyle Walker currently holds that position for the English club and Yedlin would be hard pressed to take that spot from him.  Certainly the MLS can offer the youngster more playing time, but the logical step for Spurs would be to loan him out to a club where he can get consistent minutes.  Another issue that was brought up by Keller regarded Yedlin’s ability to get a work permit in England, which can be a painstaking process.

Despite the chance that Yedlin gets lost in the sea of talent abroad, he has proven that he is more then ready to test his abilities on a greater stage.  A chance to go on loan in different leagues would allow the young full back to experience different styles of players and play.  While currently not ready to play with Spurs first team, a few years on loan could prepare Yedlin to take on Europe and challenge for first team minutes.