Donovan Set For Bayern Loan

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MLS: Landon Donovan (USA), Poland v USA, March 2008 (ISI)

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Sky Sports has reported a loan deal involving U.S. Honda Player of the Year Landon Donovan signing on with Bavarian giants Bayern Munich. Donovan's agent, Richard Motzkin, refused to comment when contacted by Goal.com. He also refused to confirm that a loan was done.

The widely publicized training spell that Donovan was using to stay in shape during the MLS off-season has apparently turned into a deal similar to the one signed by Donovan’s Galaxy teammate David Beckham with A.C. Milan. Beginning in January Donovan will spend 10 weeks with Bayern, a deal that could have the L.A. Galaxy star back early in the 2009 season. However Bayern manager Jurgen Klinsmann would like the deal to last even longer.

“The goal would be to see if we can get (Donovan) long term,” the former German national team coach said according to the Sky Sports report, “at least until the end of the season.”   If Klinsmann gets his way L.A. will be without the MLS golden boot winner until at least May. The German legend has heaped praise on the 26-year-old American striker since his arrival in Munich saying that Donovan has made an excellent impression and was well received in the locker-room. Klinsmann is not alone in his assessment of Donovan’s talent. Players and the clubs general manager have been quoted on the team’s official website with praise for his quality.

 “He’s an outstanding footballer with bags of quality,” said Bayern and German national team star Miroslav Klose. “I think he’d definitely make his mark in the Bundesliga.”

Donovan was impressive in a midweek training match, scoring twice against the third division reserves in the absence of a number of Bayern stars who were away on National team duty or resting injuries.

A move back to Germany has been questioned by many of Donovan’s detractors and would require a step up in quality that America’s most decorated star has yet to prove he has. However Munich may be a good fit for the Galaxy striker who is equally suited to be a midfielder in Europe’s top leagues.

Donovan’s pace and ability to run at defenses fits well with the free flowing style of Bayern but the team is already well stocked with midfield and striking talent and Donovan could struggle to find significant minutes.

For his part Donovan has insisted over the last few weeks that he is a different player now than he was when last he joined a German side and that he is ready to play in Europe.

 --Allen Ramsey, Goal.com