By DAN KARELL
With 15 goals in his first 17 games for Bayern Munich’s U-23 team, the German giants have seen enough to offer Julian Green his first professional contract.
The club announced on Friday that the 18-year-old forward has signed with Bayern Munich through June 2017, rewarding Green for his impressive work on the field for the reserves and for the first team during training and in games during preseason friendly matches. Green signed his contract along with Bayern II teammate Alessandro Schöpf.
“Alessandro and Julian are two huge talents who have what it takes to make it in the professional game,” Bayern Munich executive Matthias Sammer said in a statement. “We’re delighted these junior internationals have committed to FC Bayern. In turn, the professional contracts are the reward for their ambition and excellent performances in our second team.”
The German-American is still eligible for both the U.S. Men’s National Team and the German National Team, though if he wants to play for the USA in the future he must file a one-time switch with FIFA. Green is set to join the Germany Under-19 squad next week for two friendly matches against France.
Green had originally accepted a call-up to the USMNT from head coach Jurgen Klinsmann before realizing that he wouldn’t be able to play without filing a one-time switch. The Tampa, Fla. native eventually changed his mind and chose to join the Germany U-19s for a camp in France, though Klinsmann has kept the door open for Green to join the USMNT when he’s ready.
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What do you think of this news? Happy to see Green earn a contract with Bayern? Do you see him moving into the first team later this year? Do you see Bayern loaning him away for more first team opportunities? How does this impact his potential USMNT status?
Share your thoughts below.