By IVES GALARCEP
U.S. Men’s National Team defender Michael Parkhurst turned heads in Europe with his strong performances in the UEFA Champions League, and the result is the move to a top league that he had been looking for.
Parkhurst has signed with German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg on a free transfer, his agent Lyle Yorks confirmed on Wednesday morning.
Parkhurst, 28, spent four seasons with Danish side Nordsjaelland, developing into an outstanding right back after making the transition from centerback. The former New England Revolution standout enjoyed some stellar performances in the UEFA Champions League in the fall, which helped him garner interest from various top leagues in Europe, including Italy and Spain.
He joins an Augsburg side currently battling relegation in the Bundesliga. The club sits 17th in the standings, three points out of a relegation playoff spot.
In a recent interview with SBI, Parkhurst made it clear he wanted to join a major European league and take on the challenge of playing at the highest level, a desire increased by his good showing against top competition in the UEFA Champions League.
Parkhurst’s move to the Bundesliga now means there are four U.S. national team fullbacks plying their trade in Germany’s top league. He joins Steve Cherundolo, Fabian Johnson and Timmy Chandler, as well as USMNT midfielders Jermaine Jones and Danny Williams.
What do you think of this development? See Parkhurst doing well in the Bundesliga? Think Augsburg can avoid relegation?
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