According to ESPN’s Taylor Twellman, U.S. Soccer will announce Bayern Munich winger Julian Green has chosen to play international soccer for the United States, with an official statement expected from the federation within the next 24-48 hours.
Jurgen Klinsmann, the team’s head coach and technical director, took to his own Twitter account later to confirm Green “has chosen to be a part of the U.S. National Team Programs!”
The Tampa, Fla.-born Green, who currently plays for Bayern Munich II in the fourth tier of German soccer, is a dual citizen, making him eligible to play of either Germany or the United States. Having trained with Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad last month ahead of the team’s friendly against Ukraine, Green is ready to take the next step and tie his senior-level eligibility to the United States.
Twellman reported the news via his Twitter account on Tuesday:
BREAKING NEWS: @ussoccer will make an announcement in next 24/48 hours that Julian Green has opted to play for the United States. #USAvMEX
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) March 18, 2014
With Klinsmann confirming the report later in the afternoon:
“We are absolutely thrilled that Julian Green has chosen to be a part of the U.S. National Team Programs!"
— J_Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) March 18, 2014
U.S. Soccer follow with its own Twitter confirmation, saying the change of association process has begun:
Julian Green has chosen to represent the #USMNT! The @FCBayern forward has applied to FIFA for a Change of Association
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) March 18, 2014
Green, 18, has yet to make a league appearance for Bayern’s senior team but has made U-level appearances for both Germany and the United States. Though he has appeared for Germany in a competitive game -- qualifying for the European U-19 Championships -- his dual citizenship makes him eligible to file for a one-time switch of affiliation. Should he do so, Green will be committed to the United States.
For Bayern’s second team, Green has scored 15 goals in 21 appearances this season, helping his team to the top of their Regionalliga. The winger is also expected to join the U.S.'s senior national team for training ahead of its April friendly against Mexico.
Between the timing of the announcement and Green’s participation in the upcoming training camp, fans are already speculating whether the 18-year-old could win a spot for this summer’s World Cup squad. If Green does elect to make his switch, Klinsmann will have the option.