New England Revolution and United States Men’s National Team defender Dejuan Jones has found himself on the radar of several European clubs. As reported by U.S. Soccer Correspondent Jeff Carlisle of ESPN, three teams, including a familiar face, are interested in signing Jones, who has been with the New England Revolution since 2019. The three teams are Standard Liege of Belgium, FC Augsburg of the Bundesliga, and VfB Stuttgart who also plays in Germany. Jones was near a deal with Stuttgart last summer, but the move never came to fruition. His current contract in Boston runs until 2025, but the three clubs have until the end of August to purchase his services.
DeJuan Jones the Target of Interest with Transfer Window Closing Soon
What Each Team Can Offer Him
Standard Liege – Regularly one of Belgium’s most successful teams, Liege have made many deep runs in European competitions that, if repeated, could help launch Jones onto an international stage. Currently going through a drought of winning titles, the Belgian outfit are hoping to build a successful team. If a move to Liege is completed, Jones, who plays primarily as a left-back, would be joining former United States U20 representative Marlon Fossey, who plays as a right-back. Les Rouches have had an abysmal start to the season, and if the 26 year old defender can help rescue them then he will gain recognition on a big level.
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VfB Stuttgart – Winners of last season’s Promotion and Relegation Playoffs which determine the final spot in next season’s Bundesliga, Stuttgart have made a name for themselves recently as being able to fight off relegation in the dying moments of the season. This season they aim to finish in a modest and much more comfortable midtable spot. Their regular left-back, Croatian Borna Sosa, has been rumored away from the club this summer. A Sosa departure would guarantee Jones the starting role, or at least a solid amount of playing time in the team’s rotation.
FC Augsburg – Finishing last year only one point ahead of Stuttgart, Augsburg are themselves looking to avoid the scare they gave their supporters last season. A shock loss in the DFB Pokal means that only the league remains for the Fuggerstädter. Their are two main left-backs competing for the starting job, and both possess the skills required to play in the Bundesliga. This would be the hardest team for Jones to integrate himself into, but it would also have the highest payout if he performs well. Beating out two club regulars would show that Jones is confident and capable; two things that all fans and coaches look for.
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How Jones Would Build a USMNT Portfolio in Europe
With six appearances under his belt, Jones has made his debut and more for the USMNT. The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup might not have ended with the triumph sought by his nation, but Jones impressed in the competition nonetheless. He has not yet guaranteed a spot on the team, as Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson remains the favored starter. One step in that process is gaining the positive attention of USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, which Jones has locked down at the moment. A successful season in a major European league could help him cement a backup role as a left-back ready to stand-in if the opportunity arises.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports, of a DeJuan Jones Headshot, on January 28, 2023.
