Since 1992, John Harkes became the first player from the United States to regularly compete in the Premier League, making his debut for Sheffield Wednesday.
Harkes, a U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer, has now followed a well-established path and racked up over 100 appearances in England’s top flight.
In the most widely followed league globally, the top United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) players have consistently sought challenges to gauge their abilities. From Brad Friedel to Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard to Landon Donovan, they have successfully achieved this objective.
Several new Americans have also made their way to the U.K. In recent seasons, with a number of young stars making their way to the English Premier League (EPL). The recent revolution in youth development has also seen a number of young stars from the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) making their way to the EPL. Two others have made their way up from the Championship promotion as well.
In this article, The Sporting News provides a comprehensive analysis of the American players who are set to participate in the upcoming 2022/23 season of the Premier League.
MORE: Complete collection of USMNT transfer speculations for the summer window of 2022.
Matt Turner (GK, Arsenal, age 28)
Currently, Aaron Ramsdale, who is the usual Arsenal starter, is positioned behind him. This became official in the summer of 2022 when a move to Arsenal came to fruition. Shortly after, he secured the typical starting position and had his first appearance for the USMNT on February 1, 2021, gaining recognition during his last year at the New England Revolution as the goalkeeper representing the United States.
Christian Pulisic (LW, Chelsea, age 23)
During the summer of 2019, the skipper of the US Men’s National Team transferred to Chelsea following a switch from Borussia Dortmund, a prominent German team. Whenever he steps onto the pitch, he delivers both goals and assists, but he has remained a mysterious presence at the London club, struggling to maintain a consistent amount of playing time under manager Thomas Tuchel. There is still a possibility that he may eventually establish a steady position in Chelsea’s offensive line-up or he may choose to explore other opportunities, considering his youthful age.
Gabriel Slonina (GK, Chelsea, age 18)
Slonina’s transfer to Chelsea has been finalized, although he will be loaned back to Chicago Fire until January, 2023, as a youth-level U.S. International. On August 4, 2021, the young talent made his debut in the MLS and became the league’s youngest goalkeeper ever at the age of 17 years and 81 days. Chelsea has invested an initial amount of $10 million to bring him to London. He is considered a promising player for the future, although it is unlikely that he will play in the English Premier League in 2022/23.
Chris Richards (CB, Crystal Palace, age 22)
Vieira’s Patrick remains to be seen how he will find a starting role at Crystal Palace in the Premier League, as he sealed a switch to the side for the long term. Despite a few loan spells, he never developed into a player favored for the annual Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, but he did earn a move to the club in the summer of 2022 as a product of the youth system at Dallas FC.
Antonee Robinson (LB, Fulham, age 25)
He is a consistent player for one of the club’s most and a regular starter in the starting lineup of the USMNT. He has become stuck in a growing lock and before the summer of 2020, he found himself at Fulham after making his way through the Everton academy. Affectionately known as “Jedi”, Robinson was born in the UK to an American father, and he has gained citizenship. He is considered an American player at Fulham, earning the nickname FulhAmerica.
Tim Ream (CB, Fulham, age 34)
Additionally, it is undeniable the significance of the U.S. National team and his contribution to Fulham throughout the years. Nonetheless, his effectiveness in the Premier League might be approaching an end and Ream’s decline has resulted in his exclusion from the USMNT squad. However, he agreed to a one-year contract extension in the summer of 2022 due to the team’s requirement. Nevertheless, his tenure at the club may soon reach its conclusion. Ream played a crucial role in multiple promotion squads and has emerged as one of the leaders at the London-based club. Since his arrival from Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2015, Ream has been a consistent presence at Fulham.
Brenden Aaronson (RW, Leeds, age 21)
Despite being relatively young, Aaronson appears to be a valuable asset to the Premier League team and was involved in a goal during his first appearance for Leeds (officially recorded as an own goal). Following the recognition of Aaronson’s suitability for his new Leeds system by the new American coach Jesse Marsch, the older brother Aaronson relocated from Philadelphia Union to RB Salzburg in January 2021, and within just 18 months, he managed to secure a place in the Premier League with Leeds.
Tyler Adams (CM, Leeds, age 23)
Marsch hopes to implement the system well at Premier League side, and Adams also started the club’s first match of the season. Aaronson, a central midfielder, came over from RB Leipzig, another product of Marsch’s Red Bull system, alongside the arrival in the summer of 2022.
Jesse Marsch (Manager, Leeds, age 48)
In the previous season, Marsch guided the Yorkshire team (just barely) to safety in the Premier League, assuming control from the renowned Marcelo Bielsa in late February, 2022. With a significant burden on his shoulders in the fight against relegation and succeeding such a adored manager, he has transformed the situation from the disastrous conclusion of the Bielsa era. Marsch has introduced a stability that was greatly required, but it is uncertain if Leeds can sustain their status as a Premier League club in the long run.