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After what seemed like almost years of speculation, U.S. forward Kenny Cooper finally transferred away from FC Dallas, however his destination causes the minor raise of an eyebrow. Cooper, who was named to the all-tournament team at the 2009 Gold Cup, had long been linked to a slew of clubs in the English League Championship, most notably Cardiff City. Friday, it was announced he finally left MLS for of all places TSV 1860 Munich in the 2.Bundesliga for an undisclosed fee.
Despite his two goals at the Gold Cup, Cooper remains thoroughly on the fringe of Bob Bradley's 23-man selection for the 2010 World Cup, but a move to Europe should benefit him in the long term.
Yet at this point it's hard to speculate exactly how much a move to the second division in Germany will enhance Cooper's chances. If he gets playing time and scores goals it gives him a leg up on guys like Freddy Adu and Jozy Atlidore, who remain unsettled at there respective clubs. If Cooper moves to Germany and languishes on the bench, then he might as well have remained in Dallas, where he is the club's all-time leading scorer (40).
Does the money MLS and Dallas share on the Cooper transfer lead to the club signing a designated player? Or does Dallas, which is seventh in the Western Conference, hold onto the money until next year?
Oddly enough TSV Munich has a history of signing American players, with both Gregg Berhalter and Josh Wolff playing for the time, as well as Taylor Twellman spending time with the club's reserves.
Cooper, who's spent time with the Manchester United youth team from 2003-04, does seem to have the pedigree to thrive in Europe, assuming he can adapt to a new country. The Bundesliga is known for its open style which produces many goals, so Cooper should find himself with ample opportunity to score. His big 6-foot-3 frame coupled with his solid touch in front of goal should make him an asset to just about any club.
If anything, Friday's transfer for Cooper announces his serious intentions on working his way into the 2010 U.S. fold, even if its the German second division. Either way, he has his work cut out for him.
