Many of the English Leagues have concluded their 2023-24 campaigns, ending the competitive schedules for several American players.
Haji Wright enjoyed a positive debut in England this season for Coventry City, helping Mark Robins’ squad finish in the top half of the EFL Championship and reach the FA Cup Semifinals. The veteran striker led the Sky Blues in goals and will now aim to carry his club production over to the international stage this summer.
Both Ethan Horvath and Reggie Cannon returned to consistent club roles for Cardiff City and QPR respectively. Horvath endured a tough end of the season as the Bluebirds missed out on the promotion playoffs while Cannon and QPR escaped relegation.
Duane Holmes and Lynden Gooch both played leading roles for their clubs while Donovan Pines received his first taste of life in England.
Here is a closer look at the Americans, whose club seasons have ended in England:
Haji Wright
Coventry City can thank Haji Wright for helping them finish where they did this season.
Wright made an instant impact in his first season in England, leading the team with 19 goals across all competitions. The U.S. men’s national team forward also added eight assists in 50 combined appearances.
While many players would’ve struggled with the transition to a new league and country, the 26-year-old Wright enjoyed plenty of success at club level over the past eight months.
Ethan Horvath
Ethan Horvath was able to get back to playing regularly with Cardiff City this season and now will have higher goals for 2024-25.
Horvath made 16 starts for the Bluebirds since his move from Nottingham Forest, registering four clean sheets. The USMNT goalkeeper had to wait for his chance, but after Horvath jumped into the squad, he did not lose his spot.
Horvath will aim to get back into the USMNT plans this summer and a starting role at club level is a good start at achieving those goals.
Reggie Cannon
Reggie Cannon and QPR were able to avoid relegation this season and Marti Cifuentes’ side will hope to do the same in 2024-25.
Cannon made 21 appearances for the London club, registering 1,437 minutes at right back. The USMNT veteran defender enjoyed a consistent role in the squad before an injury in 2024 led to a back-up role for most of the spring.
Cannon logged 90 minutes on Saturday as QPR ended its season on a winning note over Coventry City.
Duane Holmes
Duane Holmes remained a productive player in the Preston North End squad this season.
The 29-year-old scored five goals and added six assists in 37 combined appearances (2,198 minutes), leading as a veteran in the squad. Despite Preston’s fall off in the top-six race, Holmes is a key leader for Ryan Lowe’s men going forward.
Holmes’ USMNT opportunities remain slim, but he remains important at club level.
Donovan Pines
Injuries plagued Donovan Pines’ first season with Barnsley, but when healthy, the defender showed positive moments.
Pines scored two goals in four appearances this season for Barnsley before a thigh injury forced him to the sidelines. After being a regular for DC United, Pines received early experience in EFL League One this season.
Pines is expected back for preseason camp, which is a great sign for his long-term future.
Lynden Gooch
Stoke City’s positive end to the EFL Championship season will have Lynden Gooch excited for what’s to come.
Gooch scored two goals in 30 combined appearances for the Potters after his summer move from Sunderland. The 28-year-old featured heavily for the club before failing to play since March 16 through injury.
Gooch brings valuable experience to the squad which Stoke City could definitely use for 2024-25.
Daryl Dike
Injuries once again plagued Daryl Dike’s time at West Bromwich Albion and he likely will miss the first half of next season as well.
Dike’s torn Achilles ended his season prematurely, with the American striker making only five appearances. He scored one goal for the Baggies in an FA Cup match against Aldershot Town, but won’t play a part in West Brom’s upcoming playoff series vs. Southampton.
Dike very well could be a Premier League player next season, or will be fighting to get back to his best in the Championship again.
