Will the LA Galaxy Lose Beckham and Donovan to Europe?

[Rocky Cole]

It is looking more likely that David Beckham and Landon Donovan will not return to Major League Soccer this season and will remain in Europe on loan. Each player has different reasons to stay in Europe rather than return to the Los Angeles Galaxy and MLS, and the signs are becoming increasingly apparent that when the March 8, 2009 deadline for Beckham and Donovan to return to the LA Galaxy arrives, one or both will remain in Europe.

Beckham and Donovan went to Europe at the end of a disappointing season with the LA Galaxy - a season where the team was unable to capitalize on their collective talent and did not make the MLS playoffs for the third year in a row. Ostensibly, both players sought out loan deals with European clubs to remain in peak condition during the MLS off-season. Beckham went to AC Milan, one of the top teams in Italy, while Donovan went to Bayern Munich, one of Germany’s elite clubs. In Beckham’s case there was the added incentive of remaining in contention for selection to the English National Team. Coach Fabio Capello had made it clear that he would not select any player for the England squad if the player was not playing top-flight soccer and in peak condition when selection for the first World Cup qualifying match was near. This message was clearly aimed at Beckham who would have been in the off-season from MLS during the selection period. Beckham emphatically stated his heartfelt desire to continue playing for England and to be on the team when it makes its 2010 World Cup run. With just one more international cap for England, Beckham will become the most capped field-player in the history of the team. He has also said that he wants to remain an integral part of England’s team for the 2010 World Cup.

For Donovan the issue of whether to stay in Europe may be as simple as one of earning respect as a player. This is Donovan’s third stint in the Bundesliga, Germany’s elite league. Donovan previously played in the Bundesliga with Bayer 04 Leverkusen at two different periods, neither time with much success. When he returned to MLS’s San Jose Earthquakes on loan in 2001 through 2004, and later to the LA Galaxy 2005 through this season, he excelled, becoming a prolific goal scorer for the Earthquakes, the Galaxy and the U.S. National Team. Donovan is arguably the best offensive player the U.S. has ever produced, but the question remains, can he perform at the consistently high level of play that is the standard in Europe? For Donovan, gaining respect in Europe may be a key factor in his decision to stay with Bayern Munich or return to the Galaxy.

Both Beckham and Donovan have contributed to the European clubs they are on loan to now, Beckham in particular. If the clubs want them to stay, it is likely that both will leave the MLS - at least until the European season ends - if deals can be worked out with MLS and the LA Galaxy.