Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
The pipeline of American players moving to Norway from Major League Soccer is showing no signs of letting down.
On Monday afternoon, the Montreal Impact announced that defender Zarek Valentin is being loaned to Norwegian second division club FK Bodo/Glimt. The deal will become official on completion of a physical.
Valentin missed Montreal’s 1-0 win over New York Red Bulls last Saturday, with many wondering why he had been missing from the squad. The former U.S. U-23 player answered those questions on Twitter, confirming his departure from Montreal.
Super excited about the opportunity to play games an follow the dream in Europe. All the best to @impactmontreal the rest of the season!
— Zarek Valentin (@DubbZV) March 26, 2013
Bodo/Glimt is currently coached by none other than former Red Bulls assistant Jan Halvor Halvorsen, who said he remembered Valentin from when the Montreal faced the Red Bulls last season.
“He is a player that I like,” Halvorsen told Norwegian publication Avisa Nordland. “He has pace, is good with the ball, and plays an attacking style.”
Valentin, who played in 15 matches last season with Montreal, scoring a goal and earning an assist, is following in the footsteps of teammates Troy Perkins and Patrice Bernier, who both spent time playing in Norway. In addition, former MLS players Thiago Martins and Willis Forko spent time during their careers at Bodo/Glimt.
The Impact’s website states that the reason for the loan is for Valentin to acquire experience playing overseas.
What do you make of the news? Do you feel Norway is a good place for Valentin to go?
Share your thoughts below.