Canouse came over with his father who has worked for the same German software company for years. Zelalem (not a Yank, but moved from the US) had to come over to the UK with a family member even though he has a German passport (under 16 can't move in EU without a parent). Most of the rest were 18 or had an EU passport.
The famous example of course is Messi and Barca. If a big club wants a player bad enough, they'll find a way.
Not that a team wouldn't find a way to get Messi now, but these rules changed in 2009 to require a parent accompany the player. Of course, Texas Rush brought in a number of Salvadoran players on some kind of program as well as Kekuta Manneh.
http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/us-teens-train-at-juventus-ac-milan_aid28532 Without a passport from a European Union country, there are some complications to any full time move across the Atlantic for Perez. However, indications from those close to the player suggest that the Perez family is firmly committed to making the situation work.
Finally got around to watching Josh play. He didn't disappoint. http://mlsdraftscout.blogspot.com/2013/03/joshua-perez-chivas-usa-academy.html
I think he signed a three year deal with Fiorentina. What many of us have been wondering about is how he obtained a EU passport, which I'm assuming allowed him to go there before he's 18.
I told you before that that FIFA rule is meaningless, because it cannot be enforced as it goes against ones human rights.
Parents sending minors alone overseas to earn a living can't be enforced because it goes against the support of human rights?
No FIFA can't stop a kid from moving, but they certainly as hell can punish their member clubs that violate their rules.
Here's the TDS story: http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club...pects:-joshua-perez-picks-fiorentina_aid28685 Perez’s father told TopDrawerSoccer.com on Monday that the contract is a three-year deal. TopDrawerSoccer.com also confirmed that the younger Perez became a Nike-sponsored athlete earlier this year as well. The former Chivas USA Academy starlet is likely the cornerstone for the U.S. U17 Men’s National Team during the next cycle in 2015. Perez and his teammates will test their merit against other national teams starting on April 30 when the U.S. plays Italy at the Torneo delle Nazioni.
great great grandpa is spanish from both father and mother. I am excited to here he is gone over to Florence. Also, other american kids that are abroad as well. Best wishes to all of them.
Just to clarify this quote, the squad going to Italy is made up of '97s, who are ineligible for the next U17 cycle. So, since Perez is a '98, he is essentially playing up a year. But he's on this squad for this tournament because a) he has trained with the '97s before, and b) he is living in Italy right now. But it is not a U17 trip, which the article seemed to be implying.
No its a 98 team with a very small number of 97's. This 98 is playing up in that tournament in Italy.
Well if that's true, I'm not sure I see the point of putting '97s on a predominantly '98 team. Generally it works the other way around, in that a few younger players play up. These guys won't be playing together until qualifying for the 2017 U20 World Cup begins.
There are not playing up, they be playing the 98 cycle for those Nations. First match is going to be key, against Italy. their attacking mid Masthour made life miserable for Josh during his trial at Milan. In the field......
Actually they are playing up. US and Italy are the only two teams that are 98's. The rest are 97's, this why USA is allowed to take 97's. By the way how do you know that manstour made it difficult for josh? Were you there? Just curious...
If you not aware every time a kid comes to Europe, the best plaYer always ensure that the trialist undesrtand that is not going to be easy. Got a little inside from a friend in the area. For him the best is to start at Fiorentina , grow and develop without the pressures of a big academy and big soccer bloggers. I personally want him to excel. The fardest from Bredenton the better. He has the chance to be a key player in the future for 2018 or 2022.