Mönchen-not-so-glad-bach?

After reports that Monaco, Everton, Middlesbrough and Hamburg were duking it out for the right to sign U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley, it was the unlikely Mönchenbach who won out.

"We are confident that there will be no problems with the medical, and that the deal will be rubber stamped this afternoon," the German club's press officer Micheal Lessenich told Yanks Abroad on Monday.

The move could be an ego boosting one for Bradley, as American keeper Kasey Keller is a beloved figure for 'Gladbach and the fans will surely welcome another Yank with open arms. But professionally, Germany can be a black hole for American players. They don't garner any respect from the club managers, it seems, and they often find themselves struggling to get on the field or mired in the reserves. There are exceptions of course, like Keller and Steve Cherundola who have made a name for themselves in Deutchland, but for every Cherundola their are fifty Kamani Hills.

The Monday Morning Centerback

Every Monday morning, the MMC will offer his insight into moves made in and around the world of U.S. professional soccer:

Celtic waive midfielder Thomas Gravesen

Shalrie Josph has shown us in New England what a good center mid can do for a team. MLS should go after the 32-year-old Danish bulldog. Perhaps TFC's Mo Johnston can use his Old Firm ties. Or maybe whoever did the Benny Feilhaber and Jeremiah White deals can intercede on the league's behalf. It would be a huge acquisition for any team that's willing to take the plunge.

Galaxy make quick (and wrong) decision

Now don't get me wrong, I like Bruce Arena. He did a fabulous job with UVA, DC United and in his early career with the Nats. Unfortunately, since being let go by the USSF, his track record is shaky. With the Red Bulls, he discovered that MLS was a different league than it was in his days with United, when a trio of stars and a handful of role players could get things done. His stint in New York was disastrous. Now you're bringing him into a situation that's already a complete circus. Dealing with egos. Beckhammania. Unreal expectations. It seems like you're setting him up for failure. I would be willing to concede that he may have been the best available candidate now, but why not wait it out a while, see what Cobi can do. Or better yet, go after Houston assistant John Spencer before Colorado wises up and grabs him.

Cardiff City target EdJo

A Cup finalists Cardiff City are attempting to pry away American striker Eddie Johnson from Fulham. Hopefully this will happen. Eddie needs to get away from his American mates. He needs the spotlight to thrive and if he isn't the only oddity (an American striker, what?!?) on a team then he fades to the background. EdJo's a talented player, a headcase, but a talent nonetheless.

Hot German action

The days of Americans warming benches in the land of schnitzel and beer might be over, as Americans Neven Subotic (Dortmund), Matt Taylor (TuS Koblenz) and Grover Gibson (RW Ahlen) all scored in their debuts and helped their clubs to wins.

YA: U-20 star Zizzo to Hannover

Yanks Abroad is reporting that USA U-20 star Salvatore "Sal" Zizzo has signed a three-year deal with Bundesliga club Hannover 96.

According to YA, fellow American Steve Cherundolo, also with Hannover, helped persuade the youngster to join him overseas, calling up Zizzo's parents in San Diego.

Zizzo turned down an offer to enter the 2007 MLS Superdraft and returned to UCLA for his sophomore season, scoring seven goals and adding 9 assists in 23 appearances. But it was his performance in this summer's U-20 World Cup that convinced Hannover to sign the California native.

But is Germany the right place for young American players to develop their skills?

Zizzo becomes the fourth American player signed by Hannover, and with the exception of Cherundolo, the other two players, Clint Mathis and Conor Casey, struggled to develop, returning to MLS after a few miserable seasons. Zizzo's signing continues the UCLA-to-Germany pipeline that delivered former Bruins Benny Feilhaber and Kamani Hill overseas. In addition, according to YA, there are also 10 Americans playing in 2.Bundesliga or lower divisions in Germany.