Six U.S. World Cup Hopefuls Who Could Change Clubs in January

A January window with World Cup stakes

Europe’s January transfer window opened as the calendar turned to 2026, and for U.S. men’s national team players on the edge of the World Cup picture, the timing adds urgency. With less than six months until the tournament, the usual transfer logic—minutes, role clarity, and form—can carry extra weight. A move can offer a better competitive environment or a clearer pathway to consistent playing time, but it can also introduce risk through adaptation, uncertainty, or disruption.

Against that backdrop, six U.S. World Cup hopefuls stand out as players who could plausibly be on the move in January, whether due to reported interest, contract situations, or a personal desire to test themselves in a new setting.

Tyler Adams: linked interest amid a standout season

Tyler Adams has been mentioned as an option for Manchester United during the January transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano. The interest comes while Adams has been producing what has been described as a career season at Bournemouth, following several injury-affected years in which he missed significant time.

Before suffering a suspected MCL sprain in Bournemouth’s 4–4 draw against Manchester United, Adams was second in the Premier League in interceptions this season, trailing only Moises Caicedo. His form has apparently drawn attention from United manager Ruben Amorin, who is looking to strengthen a squad sitting sixth midseason. For Adams, the appeal of a move could include the chance to help a major club push back toward Champions League contention as soon as next season.

Max Arfsten: European interest could return

Max Arfsten is another player who could see renewed attention. Last summer, the Columbus Crew turned down offers from Middlesbrough and Toulouse for the attack-minded left back. Since then, Arfsten made his international debut in January and ended 2025 as the USMNT’s leading assist provider.

With natural left-footed players often valued in the market, Arfsten’s breakout year with the national team could encourage European clubs to revisit their interest. Middlesbrough is presented as a potentially logical destination if the club returns, particularly given the presence of Arfsten’s former Columbus teammate and current U.S. teammate Aidan Morris, who is established as an important player for manager Michael Carrick. Arfsten is 24, described as relatively old for a breakout, but his profile appears to have expanded his options.

Sebastian Berhalter: contract timing and an overseas fit

Sebastian Berhalter’s late-2025 momentum has put him closer to the World Cup conversation. His goal against Uruguay in the Americans’ final match of 2025 is framed as a key moment, though competition remains intense because he plays the deepest central midfield role in coach Mauricio Pochettino’s setup.

Berhalter is entering the final year of his contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are described as Concacaf and MLS Cup runners-up, and he has not yet signed an extension. That contract situation can often sharpen transfer questions. He also holds an Irish passport, meaning he would not count as a non-European Union player in Europe. A successful move abroad is presented as something that could strengthen his case for Pochettino’s roster, with the Netherlands mentioned as a potentially good fit for the technical, undersized 24-year-old.

Alex Freeman: Premier League interest and a measured approach

Alex Freeman’s profile has been rising for some time, and his 2025 performances have added substance to the scouting buzz. Even before he scored his first two international goals against Uruguay, European scouts were described as being drawn to the 6-foot-3 right back’s elite athleticism.

In 2025, Freeman also showed what was characterized as growing soccer IQ and a professional mentality, improving steadily for Orlando City and as a regular with the USMNT. He is expected to draw Premier League interest in January, raising the question of whether a move comes now or after what could be a defining World Cup. Freeman has indicated he is not rushing to leave Orlando, saying in November that he was happy at the club and that they would “see what happens.”

Diego Luna: seeking the right overseas challenge

Diego Luna has been clear about his ambition to test himself abroad. After a strong 2025 with the national team and a substantial MLS résumé—four seasons and 100 MLS games for Real Salt Lake—the 22-year-old is described as being eager for an overseas opportunity.

Luna led the USMNT in games played in 2025 with 17, and his willingness to move appears tied to practical considerations rather than simply making a jump for its own sake. He has emphasized playing time as the biggest factor, whether that comes in MLS or in Europe, while also weighing timing, financial terms, and family considerations. For a player trying to position himself for World Cup selection, that focus on role and minutes may shape any January decision.

Josh Sargent: a possible reset as circumstances shift

Josh Sargent’s situation has evolved since last summer, when he turned down a return to the German Bundesliga to remain with Norwich City in England’s second tier. Since then, Norwich is described as struggling less than a year after nearly achieving promotion, and the team’s attacking output has declined, affecting Sargent’s goal production.

A move is framed as a potential way to revitalize the 25-year-old striker and give him a stronger platform to push for a place in the U.S. World Cup squad. Reports have linked him to West Ham’s January shopping list, suggesting top-flight interest that could change his short-term trajectory if it materializes.

What January decisions can mean for selection

For players on the fringes or in competitive positional battles, January can be less about prestige and more about fit: a coach’s trust, a defined role, and consistent minutes. Some of the names above are connected to reported interest from major clubs, while others face contract timelines or personal readiness for a new challenge.

With the World Cup approaching quickly, the common thread is straightforward: the next club situation—whether it stays the same or changes—could influence form and visibility at exactly the moment when roster decisions begin to crystallize.

• Tyler Adams: reported as an option for Manchester United; coming off a strong season before a suspected MCL sprain.
• Max Arfsten: previously drew offers; USMNT assist production in 2025 could renew European interest.
• Sebastian Berhalter: entering the final year of his Vancouver contract; overseas move could help his case.
• Alex Freeman: expected to draw Premier League interest; has said he is not in a rush to leave Orlando.
• Diego Luna: wants the right overseas move, prioritizing playing time and overall fit.
• Josh Sargent: Norwich’s struggles and reported West Ham interest point to a possible change of scenery.