Photo by ISIphotos.com
By KEVIN KOCZWARA
It looks like Juan Agudelo has sorted out where he will be playing in Europe this year.
The young American striker will be joining Dutch League side FC Utrecht on loan after signing a contract with English Premier League side Stoke City. Agudelo will start training with Utrecht on Monday and could feature for his new club as early as Saturday, when FC Utrecht faces Roda JC.
Agudelo was expected to join Stoke after his contract with Major League Soccer expired on Dec. 31 and looked to be joining fellow Americans Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea and Maurice Edu at the Premiership club, but the move to the Potters hit a snag when his work permit was denied.
It was confirmed Tuesday, however, that Agudelo would still sign with Stoke despite not being able to play for the club this season. A loan move to another league in Europe for the rest of the season was anticipated for Agudelo, who expects to be granted a work permit in England in the future.
The 21-year-old forward, who is surely hoping to make the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup roster this summer, enjoyed a good 2013 with the New England Revolution after being traded to the club by Chivas USA early last season. He helped the Revolution reach the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
In 20 matches for the two MLS clubs, Agudelo scored nine goals and had two assists in 2013.
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What do you think of Agudelo going on loan to Utrecht? Is the Eredivisie a good spot for the young forward to continue his career? Wishing he would have stayed with the Revolution and MLS? Believe he has a shot at making the U.S.’s World Cup roster?
Share your thoughts below.