CARSON, Calif. – Gyasi Zardes is flattered that there's European interest in his skills--but he doesn't have much to say beyond that.
Clubs in Belgium and England have been rumored to make overtures to take him overseas before Europe's summer transfer window closes. Reading, who play in England's second-tier Championship, and Genk, of Belgium's top division, have reportedly looked into signing Zardes from the LA Galaxy. And there's word that more European clubs are lining up behind them.
“Right now I'm a Galaxy player, and I'm not going to comment on that stuff,” Zardes said when asked Friday about Reading and Genk.
Zardes, 23, emerged as a force for LA in his second professional season last year, scoring 16 league goals while playing primarily up front as captain Robbie Keane's partner. He's split time at forward and on the flank this season, making 19 starts in 21 MLS appearances with five goals and two assists.
This year he's also proven a key performer with the US national team, mostly on the flank, and impressed during last month's CONCACAF Gold Cup. He's made 13 international appearances.
The transfer window for Reading and Genk closes Sept. 1. Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena isn't sweating it.
“I think if you believe anything you read today in papers or websites, you're a dope,” he said of the rumors. “My guess is Gyasi's going to be playing for us.”
England's Brighton and Hove Albion and Germany's 1860 Munich are also interested, according to various reports. Sources have confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that Reading and Genk are pursuing Zardes, but 1860's interest isn't accurate, according to one of the sources. ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman, a former New England Revolution forward, has also reported this week that multiple European clubs are interested in Zardes.
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To hear that clubs want him is quite a compliment, he said.
“It's wonderful to know that people see my talent and see my growth as a player,” Zardes said. “And I just hope I keep producing and keep getting better each and every single day. I want to work extremely hard to be one of the best players, be a legend like some of these guys that play for various clubs. It's great to hear positive things about my game play.”
Zardes said that he lives “day by day” and that “you never know what tomorrow's going to bring, on the pitch and off the pitch.”
Asked if he expects to play for the Galaxy the remainder of the MLS season, he was noncommittal.
“I don't know what tomorrow holds,” he said.
