FIRST! (jk)
hey everyone... long time reader, first time poster - thought I would weigh in my opinion on ol' LD
I see him back in Europe (most likely the prem, possibly in spain) after the world cup, it's what he has said he wants to happen and it will likely get done. If he had his way, he'd be at Everton in a heartbeat.
That said, there is probably a chance he will not be in Everton because of his price tag (which I believe will stay roughly the same after the world cup... unless he blows up the net and gets the U.S. at least as far as 2002).
Despite the price tag ($10mil US?) I think one thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that Landon Donovan carries a "Beckham effect" to any club he goes... (and before anyone jumps on this, I'm not saying he is as good as, makes more money than, or has better hair than Beckham... but def a bigger forehead)...
What I mean is that where Landon goes he will bring the hearts of hundreds of thousands (perhaps millions) of youth and adult footballers in the states. The shear size of the country makes this possible... (i.e. the U.S. sold the most world cup tickets when they were finally put on sale but are by no means the most football fanatic country)...
I bet Everton's main website has had a SHARP increase in traffic since LDs arrival (which could very well translate to more sales). I would bet without question that the ratings for Everton games on ESPN and Fox Soccer Channel (worst station ever) have increased... and most importantly, there was probably a good number of people who purchased a #9 jersey from the Everton website. If a full transfer took place, even more U.S. fans would purchase a kit (me included).
I'm sure this is something that the Everton brass has considered, and it could very well help offset some of his cost.