Europe’s winter transfer window has closed, with significant moves made by key players aiming to secure their spots on the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 2026 World Cup. This article summarizes six Americans who changed clubs and analyzes the potential impact on their international prospects.

LB Caleb Wiley

To: Watford
From: Strasbourg (via Chelsea)

Chelsea, which spent $10.5 million on Wiley last summer, recalled the 20-year-old from France and loaned him to Watford. He’ll compete alongside established players like Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright.

M/F Taylor Booth

To: Twente
From: Utrecht
Booth, 23, moved to the sixth-place team in the Eredivisie for over $2 million and will likely see more playing time after struggling to start previously.

M Luca de la Torre

To: San Diego FC
From: Celta Vigo
De la Torre will lead the midfield and aims to secure his spot on the national team.

M Lennard Maloney

To: Mainz
From: Heidenhiem
Maloney has a chance to be called up by Pochettino after moving to a mid-table Bundesliga team.

LB John Tolkin

To: Holstein Kiel
From: New York Red Bulls
Tolkin has already seen action against Bayern Munich following a record transfer.

M James Sands

To: St. Pauli
From: New York City FC
Sands aims to impress after gaining Champions League experience on his previous loan.