Matthew Hoppe has completed a seemingly needed move, signing with Middlesbrough after an ill-fated spell with Mallorca.
With spots on the U.S. men’s national team roster at a premium, Hoppe signed a four-year contract with Middlesbrough, joining Zack Steffen’s side in the English Championship.
Pro Soccer Wire reported in late July that Hoppe had serious interest from clubs in the Premier League, Championship, and MLS. Atlanta United, Nashville SC, Orlando City and the San Jose Earthquakes were all pursuing Hoppe at times, but in the end a move to the Championship was the most likely outcome.
Hoppe joined Mallorca last summer, but only made seven total appearances in 2021-22. Even with a coaching change in March, Hoppe never really broke through, which is never a good situation going into a World Cup. Hoppe, 21, was involved during the USMNT’s successful run through the Octagonal, but didn’t appear for Gregg Berhalter in any of the last eight qualifiers.
What does this mean for Hoppe’s USMNT chances?
A good run through the early months of the Championship season could vault Hoppe right back into the picture. While Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Brenden Aaronson appear to be Berhalter’s preferred options as wide forwards, there’s still plenty of competition to make the final roster to head to Qatar (particularly if Aaronson is thought of as an option in the midfield as well).
That said, Hoppe will have plenty of work to do. Paul Arriola has had a career season after moving to FC Dallas, and Aaronson started the season out wide for Leeds. A healthy Gio Reyna, whether he’s viewed as a winger or central player, leaves one fewer roster spot for Hoppe. Cristian Roldan, Jordan Morris and Konrad de la Fuente are still in the mix as well.
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