Any follower of the MLS post-season will be well aware of how Clint Dempsey and the Sounders made their exit at the hands of their most hated rival and really looked like they had been run off the pitch by a team without a true high-dollar star. Considering how much work the Sounders obviously need in the off-season in order to justify the money placed in their squad and in order to reward one of the greatest fan bases in the world, it is surprising that Dempsey would choose to head back across the pond…the biggest question now becomes: will this work?
For Fulham, the Cottagers need some serious help. Their defense is positively porous and their attack sputters if Berbatov is unable to find the back of the net. Martin Jol, the manager the last time Deuce found himself in Fulham, has already been sent packing and Dempsey will have to try and become a big part of Rene Muelensteen’s plans. If Dempsey is able to swing back to the stage where he became a household name and save Fulham from relegation, he might get a boost similar to what we would see when Landon Donovan returned from his time with Everton. Considering they are currently heading for relegation, Fulham has nothing to lose and everything to gain in this move.
For Dempsey, it is a chance to return to form. His time in MLS definitely started with more of a whimper than a roar and the Sounders would love for their big money asset to return to his defense-terrorizing ways. This move allows Dempsey to jump back into one of the most intense leagues in the world and face competition that will push his game to a completely different level. In reality, this move should please USMNT fans more than any other. The last thing the U.S. needs heading into their difficult group would be a sub-par Deuce. If Dempsey jets off to Brazil after a big impact at Fulham that carries over into the early MLS season, he will be a force at the World Cup. Considering the man is making BANK in Seattle, this move is a no-brainer for Dempsey.
The only downside for any of the parties involved with this loan would be if Dempsey flops. Considering the talent he has and how badly I (and any other USMNT supporter) want him to succeed, that seems unlikely. However, this is football..and anything (absolutely anything) can happen. Will Dempsey return to Fulham as a savior or will he leave England with his ex-club going down in flames? LET’S WATCH!
