Juan Agudelo burst onto the scene with New York Red Bulls as a gifted teen with loads of potential.
Four years later, and we haven’t heard much from the former MLS man.
[RELATED: Where is Juan Agudelo? ]
After scoring seven goals in fourteen matches for the Revolution in 2013, Agudelo was set to join Stoke City in the Premier League. But after failing to obtain a work permit, Stoke loaned the young striker to FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Agudelo was set to return to Stoke after his loan spell, but was once again denied a work permit to play in England.
That’s where New York City FC comes in.
At 21 years old, Agudelo is a young striker with three seasons of MLS experience, as well as a loan spell in Europe. With 18 appearances for the United States, he is seasoned and ready to break through as a top American talent.
A return to the MLS could be what Agudelo needs to boost his confidence and get consistent minutes on the pitch. Also, playing alongside David Villa with Frank Lampard feeding through balls doesn’t sound like that bad a gig.
Unfortunately for NYCFC, it is rumored Agudelo only has eyes for the Premier League. After nearly two years of permit and paper troubles, he is determined to play in England’s top-flight.
An interesting storyline to keep an eye on as MLS teams continue to try and lure players back home from Europe to play in America.