What began as a trickle has quickly become a flood when it comes to Steve Birnbaum, as the D.C. United defender has been linked to yet another notable European club destination.
The latest chatter comes from the Netherlands, where journalist Merijn Slagter reported that Eredivisie powerhouse Feyenoord are “very interested” in acquiring the rising US national team star, who was selected to Jurgen Klinsmann's final 23-man roster for Copa America Centenario on Saturday:
Birnbaum, 25, was last week rumored to be on the radar of German giants Borussia Dortmund (an idea shot down by MLSsoccer.com contributor Greg Seltzer), and before that, Israeli side Maccabi Haifa. FourFourTwo reported in early May that clubs in Germany and Belgium were tracking the center back, with one supposedly having already gone so far as to table a transfer offer.
Birnbaum has grown into an integral component of the Black-and-Red defense since arriving from Cal via the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.
One American has worn Feyenoord's colors before: Cory Gibbs, who moved to Rotterdam from the Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) in 2004.
“The Club of the People” finished in third place in the Eredivisie last season and won the KNVB Cup, earning a group-stage berth in the UEFA Europa League.
Birnbaum's international career has begun auspiciously, with a game-winning goal against Iceland in January and a start in the crucial World Cup qualifying win over Guatemala at Columbus' MAPFRE Stadium on March 29.
