Fulham Wants Dempsey, Both Await Work Permit

Fulham Manager Chris Coleman announced last weekend that the West London club and Major League Soccer have agreed to a $2.9 million transfer fee that would bring American midfielder/forward Clint Dempsey to the English Premiership. Dempsey would certainly feel right at home. Fulham already has two Americans on its roster, Carlos Bocanegra and Brian McBride.

Dempsey’s dream of playing abroad might be delayed, however, for lack of a work permit. According to current rules, players from outside the European Union are required to have played in 75% of their national team’s most recent matches. Because of injury and a suspension, Dempsey doesn’t qualify.

Fulham is currently appealing to the Professional Footballers Association. If their appeal is rejected, the Texas born soccer star may have to wait another year to realize his dream. And it’s quite possible that this will be the case, fellow US MNT player Bobby Convey was barred from Tottenham’s 2003 season, because his work permit and appeal were both rejected.

However, if Dempsey is permitted to join Fulham now, will he see some playing time? Club Boss Chris Coleman says he will, “it’s not like he’s coming here to sit on the bench. He’s coming because we’ve bought him to make a big impact. Clint’s a wide player up front, can play either flank, strong with pace, a good player, good touch.”

I hope that’s the case. The English Premier League offers a tremendous opportunity for a player to really make his career. Playing against the best teams in the world on a weekly basis could tremendously boost Dempsey’s ability, and as he’s one of the US’s upcoming soccer sensations, it could do wonders for the national squad as well.