He had a pic of himself in Mallorca’s training facilities on his IG story a couple of days ago. I would think the “unattached” by his name is a clerical error.
He officially signed in July. http://www.journalgazette.net/sports/20180710/local-soccer-player-signs-pro-deal .@akil_watts is taking his talents overseas as he signs with FC Mallorca in Spain 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/kFnOoz1UI8— Andy Mac (@AndyMacSports) July 9, 2018
A photo op signing doesn't 100% preclude contract problems. Here's Emmanuel Sabbi at Las Palmas: We all remember Heath Pearce's illustrious career at Bursaspor: Hopefully we can account for Watts showing up in official youth games or something. The USSF definitely does not have 100% accuracy in their roster info (Lester Dewee at Marseille, anyone?!) but sometimes the unexpected "Unattached" can be a bad omen.
Those are fair points but it should also be noted that official USSF roster releases aren't the most accurate representation of a player's club situation, hometown/place of birth, position, etc.
I will say, to promote your point, that he was in Indiana for a good bit after the Mallorca preseason started. Arrived in Spain after they had played 3-4 preseason matches. But it is known he signed a contract and is under the club's umbrella. Potential registration issues are currently unknown but not impossible as you have brought up past examples.
Looks like I may have to concede my point. Watts has been back in Indiana ever since the u19-u20 tournament/camp ended.
Does Watts have a passport from an EU or Cotonou country? If not it's easy to see why there are problems.
Watts himself confirms he’s still a Mallorca player and will return to the club in a week or two. Had a feeling it was just a clerical error.
Akil Watts played for Mallorca's u19s today in a 2-0 win. This was his debut. https://t.co/ctTjBK3Lg7— Daniel (@DanielSmith1022) November 18, 2018
https://www.forbes.com/sites/shlomo...orca-friendship-with-steve-nash/#1e612a0260a3 Another article about Mallorca, but this one's about Stu Holden, who I didn't realize is a minority owner although it makes sense due to his ties with Nash. In it, Stu talks about bringing Americans to Mallorca, as well as agents contacting him about bringing their players. Mallorca currently sits 6th in the Segunda Division, meaning there's a realistic chance they get promoted to La Liga next year.
Akil Watts starts again in a 3-2 win for Mallorca’s Juvenil A. Hasn’t missed a match since his debut. pic.twitter.com/oewZoXFgw1— Daniel (@DanielSmith1022) December 11, 2018
Mallorca moved up to La Liga. Mallorca B lost in the final round of the Tercera promotion playoffs. Watts did get a start with the B team late in the season, but he did not feature in the playoffs. I would expect a move up to the B team next season.
He's not eligible for U19s anymore. Either way, I think I saw an announcement by Mallorca that he moved up to the B side. Could be misremembering though.
https://www.louisvillecityfc.com/news_article/show/1039537 Watts has signed a deal with Louisville City until the end of the season. He links up with a familiar face, John Hackworth, who coached him at Bradenton.
Too bad it didn't work out in Mallorca. The previous coaching staff thought very highly of him. Hopefully, he hits the ground running in Louisville.
Hope USL goes well for him. I think he's the level of player where he'll develop more in USL since he'll get minutes rather than rotting away on the bench/reserves for an MLS team.
I don’t know why but if he has a reasonable USL season I see him ending up one of those kids LAFC brings in as depth and just waits on.
i keep telling people and people refuse to believe me...The level in Spain is very difficult for american players to transition to senior. Watts is yet another example. Without 2-3 season at least at top tier in Spain, transitioning to senior ( 3rd Division or 2nd B) is nearly impossible. To date only 4 American players have managed to graduate from academy level to senior categories. And, it's because they developed mostly in Spain. Maybe going to Germany or Holland may make it easier for the profile player the US academy program produces. I think Konrad may become the 5th American player in History to successfully go from Juvenil to Senior and secure a team in Spain (either in 3rd Div or 2ndB). And, it will be greatly in part to the fact that he has developed in Spain for the last several seasons. I know someone commented to me that Spain's 3rd Div is the equivalent of a "Sunday league." I think people with this opinion are out of touch with the realities of world class football countries and its professional tiers