GOAL breaks down expectations for U.S. Internationals ahead of the upcoming European season, with a look at England's top flight
In more ways than one, the Premier League remains the pinnacle of soccer. It's the league with the most eyeballs, the most money and the most prestige. There are superclubs in other countries, but England's top flight remains a superleague, loaded with some of the biggest clubs in the world.
That's why, for many players born outside of England, the Premier League remains the dream destination. It's been like that for Americans for some time and, ahead of the 2025-26 season, there's no shortage of U.S. men's national team presence.
From trophy winners to promoted returnees, several top U.S. internationals will have points to prove in the Premier League this season, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino paying close attention.
Ahead the European season, GOAL takes a closer look at the expectations for Americans Abroad. First up: the Premier League.
AFPChris Richards, Crystal Palace
"12th again, who gives a f*ck? We won the FA Cup!"
The song has been heard in the terraces since Palace's FA Cup triumph, and rightly so. Last season, the club won its first major trophy, taking down the mighty Manchester City in the final to claim English soccer's legendary cup. Chris Richards, of course, played a part, taking a huge leap forward as a player in both the league and FA Cup to establish himself as a bona fide Premier League defender.
The cup run resonated with Richards throughout the summer.
"People keep asking me what the best part of winning the cup was," he told GOAL in July. "I think it was what it meant to the generations of Palace fans. I love winning trophies – who doesn't? But I was looking into the crowd and seeing 80-year-old men crying their eyes out because even their parents hadn't seen Palace win a major trophy. That's what meant so much more."
Richards is set to be a key part of Palace's defense, which could lose fellow centerback Marc Guehi if speculation is to be believed. After emerging as a leader with the USMNT this summer, Richards will now look to assume a similar role with Palace this season as they look to build on their FA Cup magic.
AdvertisementGettyTyler Adams, Bournemouth
Like Richards, the 2022 World Cup captain was with the USMNT this summer, holding down his usual place at the heart of midfield. It's something fans have seen too little of since that run in Qatar as injuries have impacted the Bournemouth midfielder's availability for club and country.
It seems all of that is behind him.
After making just three Premier League appearances in his first campaign at Bournemouth, Adams shook off early injuries to feature in 28 league matches last season, becoming an integral part of the Cherries midfield. Ultimately, you know what you're going to get from Adams, no matter what jersey he's in: energy, leadership and one or two leg-crunching tackles.
For Adams, the key to this season is, of course, to stay fit and available. As the USMNT midfield shifts, Adams looks to play a vital part as long – as he's healthy enough to do so.
GettyAntonee Robinson, Fulham
His pace slowed due to injuries in the second half of last season but, for a while there, the Fulham defender was legitimately one of the best players in the league.
In the end, Robinson finished with 10 assists, tied for fourth in the league. It was the most of any Premier League defender, as Robinson proved that he can be a real weapon down the left-hand side for a team that, in truth, is far from one of the league's heavy-hitters. If not for the wear-and-tear down the stretch, Robinson likely would have put up more.
That strenuous stretch really changed things. He missed out on the CONCACAF Nations League due to injury and then withdrew from the USMNT's summer slate to undergo knee surgery. The American, though, is back in training as Fulham march through preseason – and all indications have been that he'll be ready for the Premier League campaign.
That's great news for Fulham and great news for the USMNT, too, as one of the game's most well-rounded left-backs looks set for a return to form.
GettyBrenden Aaronson, Leeds
Leeds are back in the Premier League. So, too, is Aaronson, who is desperate for this second crack at England's top flight.
His first didn't go particularly well. He netted just once in that debut season with Leeds, one which ended in relegation. After a loan to Union Berlin, Aaronson returned to the club last season to help drag them out of the Championship. Leeds, ultimately, were successful, with Aaronson proving to be an ironman across 46 Championship appearances.
His energy and effort have never been questioned, but there are questions about his quality at the Premier League level. He's eager to answer those questions with a few more goals, and he'll need them if he wants to stay in the USMNT picture. Leeds, though, are obviously looking to stengthen, which means nothing will be guaranteed for the 24-year-old winger.
It's clearly the biggest season of Aaronson's career thus far, and it could be make-or-break. Can Aaronson compete at the highest of high levels? This will be his chance to prove it.