USMNT defender Joe Scally linked with move to Fulham

Fulham could soon add to their American contingent with the signing of Joe Scally from Borussia Monchengladbach. 

Fulham has been a haven for U.S. men’s national team defenders recently. Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream have starred for the side which is currently ninth in the Premier League.

Joe Scally has been on form for Monchengladbach this season playing in 23 of their 25 Bundesliga games but he could be heading to Fulham.

USMNT insider Tom Bogert revealed on Twitter today that “Fulham are among a handful of English clubs interested in USMNT & Borussia Mönchengladbach fullback Joe Scally this summer.

“TBD how likely a summer move for Joe Scally may be. Mönchengladbach wouldn’t want to lose him & he’s first choice at a good Bundesliga club. We’ll see if/when bids start coming. Also, for whenever he does move: NYCFC have a sell-on clause as part of Scally’s original transfer.”

Would Fulham be a good fit for Joe Scally?

Fulham is a side that has down very well this season. After being promoted by winning the Championship this season they have exceeded expectations in how they have performed in the Premier League.

Marco Silva’s team did scupper their chances of beating Manchester United in the FA Cup with a mad spell that saw the manager, Willian and Aleksander Mitrovic all sent off. United won 3-1 in the end but Fulham still has an outside chance of qualifying for the Europa League / Conference next season.

Robinson and Ream have excelled at Craven Cottage. Ream has got his place back in the USMNT squad and Robinson was even linked with a move to Manchester City. The club looks to be the perfect next step in Scally’s career.

Fulham’s current right-back is Kenny Tete who has four assists in 21 Premier League appearances this season. The club also have Cedric Soares on loan from Arsenal but he has played just four times in the league.

How would it help his USMNT chances?

Playing in the Premier League is a step up from the Bundesliga, so if Scally was to make the move and perform in the division then his chances of starting for the USMNT would definitely improve.

Scally has four caps for his county but is currently competing with Sergino Dest for the right-back spot. Dest played ahead of him in all of their World Cup games. However, Dest has played just eight times for AC Milan in Serie A this season.

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Dest faces an uncertain future tweeting “No changes on Sergiño Dest situation since December. AC Milan, not planning to trigger buy option clause in June. USMNT right-back will return to Barça and then discuss his future at the end of the season.”

With Dest’s career currently going through a bit of a sticky patch, it is a great opportunity for Scally to assert himself as the first-choice right-back for the USMNT. A move to Fulham would be a chance for him to prove he can play at the highest level and that he deserves a starting place for the Stars and Stripes.