Perhaps Juan Agudelo was hoping for a better landing spot after things didn’t work out with Stoke City, but with the European season upon us, it’s time for the former New York Red Bull, Chivas USA, and New England Revolution striker to get back on the field. That may be why the 21-year-old’s name has been connected with one of the most recognizable names in German soccer, albeit one that sits in the second division.
1860 Munich, former home to Fabian Johnson and current employer of Bobby Wood, is reportedly in search of two strikers, with Agudelo’s name coming up in a recent German report. Though TZ.de were unable to get a confirmation from Agudelo’s agent, sources told the German outlet that the 18-time U.S. international is among the names being considered by the Sixty’ers.
1860 is a 154-year-old club that won a Bundesliga title in 1966, a honor complemented by the club’s two German Cup triumphs. Over the last 10 years, however, the Lions have been in the second division, with the club finishing no higher than seventh since 2007.
Though the potential move will surely spark a debate amongst MLS fans about Agudelo’s desire to play in Europe, the enthusiasm TZ.de shows in their report reminds you of how he’s already accomplished. Because he broke through internationally (and scored his first U.S. goal) at 17, it seems like Agudelo’s been around forever, but barely out of his teens, the Colombia-born American remains on the fringes of Jurgen Klinsmann’s main squad. After his short spell with Holland’s FC Utrecht last season, Agudelo has the kind of early European experience many prospects will never see, acquitting himself well for somebody so young.
Not to mention Agudelo secured a more to England, albeit one that was eventually cancelled. And, as TZ.de notes, the guy has a YouTube goal that’s received over 900,000 hits:
It’s not the most-balanced picture of Agudelo, but it’s not an inaccurate one, either. There are plenty of reasons a team like 1860 Munich would roll these dice, particularly given he’s on a free transfer.
Between his MLS travels and his trouble building on early national team promise, we sometimes forget: Agudelo still has a long way to go. If he can settle at a club like 1860 Munich, Agudelo could yet fulfill fans’ lofty expectations.