The upcoming MLS transfer deadline on Wednesday night (23:59 CT, 00:59 ET on Thursday, 05:59 BST on Thursday) marks a significant turning point for American soccer players seeking opportunities in European leagues. As the clock ticks down, several high-profile USMNT stars are being linked with potential returns to Major League Soccer (MLS).

One of the most prominent names in the rumor mill is Weston McKennie, who finds himself in a similar predicament to last summer's contractual uncertainty with Juventus in Italy. Despite his impressive performance in the 2023-24 season, where he made 34 Serie A appearances and scored seven goals, McKennie's future remains uncertain due to Juventus' willingness to offload him and the lack of a new contract offer.

Rumors of McKennie's potential move to Aston Villa or Fiorentina have circulated, but no concrete agreements have materialized. Instead, recent speculation points towards a move to MLS and Inter Miami, where he would join forces with Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Although initial exploratory talks took place last month, no deal has been reached, with McKennie reportedly favoring a move to a European club willing to meet his personal terms and wage demands.

Another USMNT international who has garnered attention from MLS clubs is Josh Sargent. The 24-year-old striker, who recently featured in two Copa America fixtures for his country, has caught the interest of St Louis SC and FC Cincinnati. Sargent's impressive goal-scoring record for Norwich City in England's second tier last season, where he scored 16 goals despite injury setbacks, has attracted attention from both domestic and international suitors. However, a proposed move to St Louis SC appears more likely, as Norwich City had set a high asking price for his transfer. Despite initial interest, a breakthrough in negotiations has yet to be achieved.

Meanwhile, Reggie Cannon, a 26-year-old right-back who played for Queens Park Rangers in England's Championship last season, finds himself in a contract dispute with his previous club, Boavista in Portugal. Cannon's desire for a return to MLS has sparked interest from several teams during the summer transfer window.

Another FC Dallas player who could potentially make a move is Thomas Roberts, a 23-year-old midfielder currently playing for Norwegian club Stabaek under the guidance of former USMNT coach Bob Bradley. Roberts' impressive performances for Stabaek have caught the attention of multiple MLS teams.

On the other hand, Orlando City striker Duncan McGuire, who led his country's line during the recent Olympics in France, remains open to a move to Europe after his proposed transfer to Blackburn Rovers fell through in February. Czech top-flight club Sparta Prague has now expressed interest in acquiring McGuire's services. However, with his contract expiring in December and no positive resolution in sight for an extension with Orlando City, McGuire's future remains uncertain.

As the MLS transfer deadline approaches, it will be intriguing to see how these developments unfold and whether established norms of transfers between U.S. and European clubs will shift. With time running out, both American players and their potential suitors must act swiftly to finalize deals before the deadline passes.