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What is next for DeAndre Yedlin?

By John Hazzard

Mar 29, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; United States defender DeAndre Yedlin (2) dribbles the ball in the second half of the game against Guatemala during the semifinal round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer tournament at MAPFRE Stadium. The United States beats Guatemala by the score of 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; United States defender DeAndre Yedlin (2) dribbles the ball in the second half of the game against Guatemala during the semifinal round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer tournament at MAPFRE Stadium. The United States beats Guatemala by the score of 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Although star U.S.A. defender DeAndre Yedlin enjoyed a successful campaign with Sunderland AFC this season, his future with the Tottenham Hotspur may be in question following rumors of the Seattle native’s exit.

After arriving at White Hart Lane following his switch from the Seattle Sounders to Tottenham Hotspur, the 22-year-old right-back saw himself loaned out to Sunderland.

Upon arrival, Yedlin went on to enjoy a successful stint with the Black Cats, appearing in 23 matches. However, it didn’t start off great for the U.S.A defender. After arriving at the Stadium of Light on September 1, Yedlin would not make an on-field appearance until October 3, where he played the full 90 in a 2-2 draw against West Ham.

Following the match, it was announced that Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat would step down as the Black Cats head coach immediately. The Dutch manager was only able to grab two points within Sunderland’s first seven matches. After Advocaat was relieved of duty, former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce stepped in to fill the gap, thus, igniting the career of DeAndre Yedlin.

May 25, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; U.S. mens national team defender Deandre Yedlin (2) head butts the ball in the first half against Ecuador at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Pokorny-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; U.S. mens national team defender Deandre Yedlin (2) head butts the ball in the first half against Ecuador at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Pokorny-USA TODAY Sports /

Before the arrival of Allardyce, Yedlin only made one appearance. Following the hiring of Allardyce, Yedlin went on to make 22 appearances for the Black Cats, not counting cup matches. Under the prolific English manager, Yedlin was given the opportunity to shine.

The young 22-year-old was finally given the opportunity to work for consistent Premier League game time. With Allardyce at the helm, it was noticeable to see changes from Yedlin.

The Seattle native’s hairstyle became more professional. Yedlin’s defensive work rate began to skyrocket. His positioning of his feet when he defended looked much cleaner than it did in Seattle. The 22-year-old began to look like a regular Premier League defender and Allardyce rewarded that.

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When Yedlin first arrived at Tottenham, everyone questioned whether or not he had the capability to last in the Premier League. Following a successful preseason with Tottenham, many pundits believed that Yedlin would have a chance to make the North London’s club first team, however, this all changed upon his loan to Sunderland.

Furthermore, Yedlin’s career in North London has been rumored to be coming to an end following Tottenham’s successful season without him. The Spurs were able to defy all odds under Pochettino and grab a spot in next year’s Champions League. In addition, right-backs Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier had prolific seasons with the Spurs, thus, further pushing Yedlin away from a starting spot.

May 25, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; U.S. mens national team defender DeAndre Yedlin (2) and Ecuador midfielder Jefferson Montero go after the ball in the first half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Pokorny-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; U.S. mens national team defender DeAndre Yedlin (2) and Ecuador midfielder Jefferson Montero go after the ball in the first half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Pokorny-USA TODAY Sports /

With reports suggesting that Sunderland has placed a bid for the American, it may seem like his time with Tottenham is over. Most likely Yedlin will not make a decision about his future until the end of this summer’s Copa America. With the rumors looming over the Seattle native, Yedlin spoke to USA reporters to clear the air, admitting that he would be open to a permanent move to Sunderland.

“Nothing’s come up yet but, like I said before, I wouldn’t mind going back to Sunderland, whether it be on loan or whatever.

“I think it’s a great club and I had a great experience there, so I’d be open to that.

“But as of now nothing has come up, so right now I’m just focusing on Copa America and doing the best that we can in this tournament.

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“I’m looking forward to playing wherever Jurgen [Klinsmann, US head coach] decides to put me.

“I don’t know where that will be, but wherever it is on the field, I’m looking forward to playing there.”

With Yedlin’s huge growth at Sunderland this season, it would make sense for the 22-year-old to stay with the Black Cats. Under Sam Allardyce, Yedlin will be given the chance to start every weekend, something not given at Tottenham.

DeAndre Yedlin is set to appear in the U.S.A’s upcoming Copa America match  against Colombia on Friday. Kick-off takes place in California at Levi’s Stadium at 9:30 PM EST.

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