Premier League side Stoke City is going the American way once again. The Potters already have American internationals Brek Shea and Geoff Cameron in their books as well as the rarely spotted former Glasgow Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu. And now, the side from the Britannia Stadium has been linked with a move for Los Angeles Galaxy player Omar Gonzalez on top of their chase for his American international team mate Juan Agudelo.
Gonzalez is a 24 year old centre back and standing at well over six feet, is a massive presence at the heart of the defense and in set pieces in the opposition area as demonstrated by his goal in the MLS All Star team’s 3-1 hammering of Italian giants AS Roma last week. According to a journalist from a local newspaper who was covering the match, a lot of scouts were present at the match and according to him; the player spoke to the officials of Stoke City before the match as well.
Gonzalez will see out his contract with Los Angeles Galaxy in December and the club will be facing a very difficult winter this year with the contracts of Gonzalez as well as that of Landon Donovan up. Born in Texas, Gonzalez holds dual American and Mexican passports and has been a part of the Los Angeles Galaxy team since 2009 and has also played alongside David Beckham.
Gonzalez made his debut for the United States Men’s National Team in 2010 and with head coach Jurgen Klinsmann preferring players playing in Europe rather than in the MLS, a move to Stoke City is something that will interest the player a lot. Moreover, being a free transfer, the club can also offer higher wages to the player and tempt him to play in the Premier League, which is a big lure.