Dominic Cervi has gone more than a year waiting for his professional soccer dreams to come true, and now the American goalkeeper is set to finally become a pro as he is set to sign a deal with Scottish club Celtic after receiving his Italian passport last week.
Selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2008 MLS Draft by the Chicago Fire, Cervi passed on a minimum-salary offer from the Fire and eventually made his way to Scotland, where he impressed Celtic after a lengthy trial last September. The only thing that stood in his way at that point was securing an Italian passport. After spending months in Italy, Cervi finally secured his passport and will be free to complete a deal with Celtic. A deal is expected to be completed this week.
A 6-foot-6 goalkeeper out of the University of Tulsa, Cervi first drew serious attention at the 2008 MLS Draft Combine, where he was stood out as the most impressive goalkeeper in the draft. His performance there eventually led to a stint with the U.S. Under-23 national team and the 22-year-old has even spent time training with the U.S. senior national team.
What do you think of this news? Excited to see another American signing with a top club? Think Cervi will get a chance to play (assuming Artur Boruc is sold)? Disappointed he didn't come to MLS, or does his year-long wait to find a team look worth it now?
Share your thoughts below.