Promising American players McKennie and Busio heading into free agency in 2025

McKennie, Busio among American players set to be free agents in 2025


The 2024-25 season isn’t far from kicking off and for many players, that will mark the end of their current contacts abroad.

Weston McKennie, Tanner Tessmann, and Tim Ream are three American players that have been linked with potential transfers this summer, but should they stay with their current clubs, they will be entering the final season of their contracts.

Many others are also entering an intriguing time of their club careers including Mark McKenzie, Lennard Maloney, and Gianluca Busio.

Here is an early look at which Americans players are set to become free agents next summer:


Tim Ream – Fulham


Tim Ream has played a key role in Fulham’s continued stay in the English Premier League, but that time could be coming to an end.

Ream, 36, has already been linked with a potential move to MLS side Charlotte FC this summer. The U.S. men’s national team veteran featured in 21 matches for Fulham last season, pushing him over 300 combined appearances for the club.

Despite being in the final years of his career, Ream has continued to play at a high level for club and country.


Weston McKennie – Juventus


Weston McKennie is coming off a career-best year for Juventus heading into the final year of his contract.

The 25-year-old midfielder logged 10 assists in 38 combined appearances last season, helping Juventus win the Coppa Italia and clinch a top-four finish in Serie A. McKennie remains linked with English Premier League side Aston Villa, who was also in the mix for his signature last summer too.

With Thiago Motta taking over for Massimiliano Allegri in Turin, McKennie might be on the move this season so Juventus can receive a transfer fee.


Tanner Tessmann – Venezia


One of two American standouts for Venezia this past season, Tanner Tessmann is already on the radar for a potential move away.

Inter Milan is reportedly in talks with Venezia to acquire Tessmann on a permanent deal this summer. Tessmann would head back to Venezia on a season-long loan as part of the deal, giving him a better chance of playing regularly in Serie A.

His seven goals were a career-high, showing that Tessmann can contribute in a big way.


Lennard Maloney – Heidenheim


24-year-old Lennard Maloney helped Heidenheim to an impressive Bundesliga finish last May.

Maloney heads into the final year of his contract despite being a key player for Heidenheim. He scored two goals and added one assist in 31 appearances, logging over 2,400 minutes for the eighth-place finishers.

European Football will be on Maloney’s schedule this fall and potentially a new contract with the club.


Johan Gomez – Eintracht Braunschweig


An impressive 2023-24 campaign for Johan Gomez might not see him finish out his contract with German 2. Bundesliga side Eintracht Braunschweig.

Gomez, 22, scored three goals and added four assists in 35 combined appearances. The U.S. men’s national team prospect was one of the better performers for Braunschweig last season, who finished 15th in the league table.

It’s hard to predict Gomez finishing the 2024-25 season out with Braunschweig, especially if he ups his production in the first half of the league schedule.


Gianluca Busio – Venezia


Gianluca Busio was the second half of the 1-2 combination at Venezia this past season.

Busio, a former Sporting KC homegrown standout, scored seven goals and contributed five assists for the promoted side. Alongside the aforementioned Tessmann, Busio enjoyed a career-best season as Venezia defeated Cremonese in the playoff final.

Busio will likely be on the radar of several European clubs this summer, should Venezia decide not to sign him to a new deal.


Mark McKenzie – Genk


Mark McKenzie has been a stalwart for the Genk backline over the past few seasons, but might not be part of the plans past 2025.

A former Philadelphia Union homegrown, McKenzie played over 4,000 minutes last season for Genk in all competitions. McKenzie has made 127 appearances for Genk since his arrival from MLS, being a consistent performer over the last few seasons.

He now heads into the final season of his contract, uncertain of what’s next at club level.


Taylor Booth – FC Utrecht


Another American attacker that could be on the market next summer is Taylor Booth.

Booth, who is currently fighting to be part of the U.S. Olympic men’s national team, netted six goals in 21 appearances for FC Utrecht last season. The 23-year-old winger missed time through injury as well, but did end the season on a positive note.

FC Utrecht will certainly aim to keep Booth, should he want to stay at the club long-term.


Richie Ledezma – PSV


Richie Ledezma joined PSV with a lot of promise and potential, but injuries have derailed his time in Holland.

Ledezma, 23, spent most of last season on loan at NYCFC, before rejoining PSV last winter. He did feature in PSV’s season finale last May and now enters the final season of his contract with the club.

Sources have confirmed to SBI that several MLS clubs including the LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers have expressed interest in Ledezma, should a move come to fruition this summer.


Duane Holmes – Preston North End


Duane Holmes has been influential for Preston North End since his arrival, but it’s unsure whether or not he remain there long-term.

The 29-year-old Holmes scored five goals and added six assists in 37 combined appearances for Ryan Lowe’s squad last season. A former Huddersfield Town and Derby County player, Holmes has been around the block in England during his career.

Preston will aim to be part of the promotion picture this season and a healthy Holmes could be crucial to those goals.


Lynden Gooch – Stoke City


Lynden Gooch remains an EFL Championship veteran as he heads into the final season of his Stoke City contract.

The 28-year-old fullback made the switch from Sunderland to Stoke City last summer, totaling 32 combined appearances between the two clubs. Despite missing time due to an ankle injury, Gooch contributed two goals and was a constant figure in the Potters squad.

Stoke City will hope to avoid a relegation scrap this season and Gooch should help with that.


Donovan Pines – Barnsley


Injuries plagued Donovan Pines’ first season with Barnsley but a healthy summer should lead to big things in 2024-25.

The former DC United defender made four appearances last spring for Barnsley, scoring twice from his centerback position. Pines, 26, travelled back to the U.S. this summer as part of his injury rehab, hoping to be ready for week one of preseason.