It’s January, which means some Americans could be on the move in the January transfer window. Although, that isn’t very likely as most of the big American names are stateside in the MLS (Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey) or are coveted young assets (Julian Green, john Brooks).

However, one Yank will be making his way back to MLS; 24-year-old defender Zarek Valentin has just signed with the Portland Timbers Tuesday. Valentin had been playing with FK Bodø/Glimt in Norway since 2013. Initially loaned out to Bodø/Glimt, his deal was made permanent after a successful showing whilst on loan. This past season he made 24 appearances for Bodø/Glimt, 23 of them starts. 

Valentin has played for the US U-23 team, but is yet to make an appearance for the senior team.

Jurgen Klinsmann has released his list of players he’s calling in for camp this month, with several players eligible for the U-23 squad.

The U-23’s will face Colombia for a two-match playoff for a spot in this summer’s Olympic games in Rio de Janiero.

January also means that many of the United States’ best young talent in on break, as most of that talent pool ply their trade in Germany. The German Bundesliga is currently on winter break, with games not set to resume until Jan. 23.

Therefore players such as Julian Green, Bobby Wood, Aron Johannsson and Fabian Johnson are out of action.

Nonetheless, two USA players had fine showings for their teams abroad. Longtime USA defender Omar Gonzalez, recently transferred to Pachuca in Liga MX, logged an assist in a 1-1 draw at Tijuana. 

One American in particular is impressing on the other side of the pond, Gedion Zelaem, on loan at Rangers from Arsenal, has the Rangers’ management scurrying to extend his initial six-month loan. An extension was reached last week.

Zelaem, 18, was born in Germany to Ethiopian parents. Him and his father emigrated to the United States in 2006 and he them was granted citizenship in 2014, becoming eligible for the US team. Like many other young US players, Zelaem made appearances for the Germany youth sides, before playing his senior soccer for the US.

Thus far he has made 15 appearances for Rangers, helping them to a first-place standing in the Scottish Premier League. Earlier this week he notched an assist in Rangers’ 5-1 in the Scottish Cup.

Yet another young star for the US holding his own against the best. The future certainly looks bright for the US squad.