Landon Donovan on loan to Bayern Munich

The Times' Grahame L. Jones reports that Bayern Munich -- the German club that the Galaxy's Landon Donovan has been training with -- reach an agreement with Major League Soccer that would allow the league's top goal scorer in 2008 to join the reigning Bundesliga champions for two to three months, starting Jan. 1, when the international transfer window reopens.

As Jones points out, MLS has stumbled on the ideal way to keep its big-name stars busy during the off-season -- ship them off on loan deals to foreign clubs.

The Galaxy's David Beckham paved the way by arranging to spend a couple of months with AC Milan in Italy in order to stay in the running for the England national team.

-- Debbie Goffa

Photo: Landon Donovan during a training session with Bayern Munich on Nov. 11. Credit: Christof Stache / Associated Press

Comments

[chapulin]

So if Jones already reported on this, why are you repeating it? How about bringing something new to the story?

[Itz So EaSy A kAvEmAn CaN dO iT]

i think he is gonna fit in well with bayern munich, he is an excellent striker and has good experience

[Tanzid Shams]

I am huge believer in the US national program. While MLS may suffer from these transfers, I think it's good for our national team players to stay in top form and acquire more experience in Europe. The ultimate goal being one day to the World Cup. I believe we can. We just have to play with more fire in our belly (like in 2002). And the only way you can have that mindset is when you play every game like it's life or death (which is the modus operandi in European leagues).

[David]

Off-season loan arrangements for top U.S. based players players are nothing new. Off the top of my head, Alexi Lalas to Emelec in 1997; Eric Wynalda to Leon in 1999; and Brian McBride to Everton in 2002.

[bubbles]

I think that teams should transfer as many people as possilbe to teams abroad both in europe, mexico, and any other country that has good international diplomitic standings with the U.S. and is willing to accept players in midseason to their national squad. good for beckam and doviven.