Michael Bradley to Borussia Mönchengladbach

Surprise! Betcha didn't expect Monchengladbach, did ya!?

In something none of us expected, Heerenveen have accepted an offer for Michael Bradley from Borussia Mönchengladbach of the Bundesliga.  The club might sound familiar to you and that is because Kasey Keller once plied his trade for this German side from 2005 to 2007.  Gladbach are back in the Bundesliga 1 this year after spending last season in the 2nd division.  They are a large club with some good history, but have been floating around mid-table the last 8 or so years.

Not many American news outlets have picked this up yet, so I’m left to quote the Heerenveen official website which translates loosely to:

Sc Heerenveen and Borussia Mönchengladbach have already reached agreement on the transfer. Bradley must still make ends meet personally with the Germans.

So Bradley still has to agree to personal terms with the Bundesliga side.  Apparently Mikey traveled quickly to the German club after Heerenveen’s game today.  This transfer sounds all but done, and it does make me a little sad because it would’ve been great to watch Bradley on TV for Middlesbrough every weekend.  My dissapointment aside, I think the Bundesliga is a good fit for Bradley.  Surely, it’s not as fierce as the BPL, but Germany is full of high quality football and if Bradley can get in the squad regularly (like we all expect) he will continue his development nicely.

UPDATE: Borussia’s site is now confirming this, saying (thanks to google translator):

Borussia faces the commitment by Michael Bradley. The 21-year-old U.S. national player from SC Heerenveen to be tomorrow (Monday) the medical check in Moenchengladbach abroad.

“He is a versatile midfield player usable, for his age quite a lot of experience with it. We hope that everything works and we will make perfect thing tomorrow,” said sports director Christian Ziege.

DOUBLE UPDATE: Ives is reporting that Michael Bradley agreed to personal terms with Monchengladbach this morning. Deal done.

What do you think of this suprise potential move?

–psc