Edson Buddle on Trial With Birmingham

While Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan have had their futures in the Premier League discussed in great detail in recent days, another American international is trying to find a home in England.

L.A. Galaxy forward Edson Buddle is currently on trial with Birmingham, and should he do well, he may be offered a deal in next month’s transfer window.

He has only six international caps, which may make a work permit an issue, but I think this is a good move for Buddle.

Buddle, 29, has done enough in MLS. He had 17 goals in 25 matches for the Galaxy last season, and with the recent acquisition of Juan Pablo Angel, there’s a numbers (and salary) crunch at the Home Depot Center.

While he failed to find the net for the United States at the World Cup, Buddle has had a solid run of form in the past year. He’s grown up a bit, and has the strength and pace to play in Europe.

Now, can he make the team and then find playing time at Birmingham?

That, I’m not so sure of. But the fact that he has his foot in the door – and his price will probably be right – certainly bodes well for his chances.