In the latest installment of a transfer saga that has developed over the course of more than a year, Sporting KC and Juventus are meeting today to discuss a move for Erik Palmer-Brown. According to Alfredo Pedulla The 18 year old American defender, who has three senior squad appearances for Kansas City, could arrive in the summer in a move that is desired for both traditional and marketing reasons.
Reports state that Juventus and Sporting KC (technically Major League Soccer itself) are nearing an agreement for around 2 to 2.5 million total. Juventus are not inclined to pay much more, but the deal is reported to be around one million in base payment, with the other 1 to 1.5 million coming through incentivized payments for the player hitting various milestones.
Sporting KC CEO Robb Heinemann was quoted as saying the deal is “an 80-20 thing that it will happen, I think they’re interested. I think the player is interested in going there.”
Palmer-Brown would be the first American player at Juventus, and he is a rather high rated young centerback within the US Soccer system. He has 16 caps at various international youth side levels, and one can see Juve’s interest in him as proof that there is some potential there.
With the clubs meeting today, there could perhaps be more reports or even an actual agreement. Or, we may have to continue waiting.
Whatever…
If he comes, good luck, but I’ve never heard of him. 16 caps in US youth doesn’t sound anything special to me.
He’s arguably the best American prospect in the US Youth system, and will easily become the best American defender if it all works out.
That is still not saying much though 😛
You’d be surprised how many quality American prospects there are now a days
I’m sure there are great guys out there, USA is moving up in terms of football quality players. But right now it just isn’t saying much, without meaning to insult anyone here, they have good players right now but no top players at all. The next generation might have some though, let’s hope EPB is one of them!
Oh I know, I was referring to the next generation, like Palmer-Brown. There are some quality American youth in Dortmund, Schalke, Athletico, Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea, etc but everyone believes that EPB will be one of the best
Have to admit I don’t know the young generation of USA players, I’ve only heard about EPB because he’s linked to Juve. But it’s cool if they grow stronger in football too, some USA players are really cool.