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As a new USMNT regime takes over and with this summer’s Gold Cup rapidly approaching, one U.S. prospect looks set for a loan move to MLS to increase his chances at getting noticed by Gregg Berhalter.
According to MLSSoccer.com’s Sam Stejskal, New York City FC is finalizing a deal that would bring in American Keaton Parks on loan from Benfica for the entirety of the 2019 MLS season.
Update: NYCFC made the loan for Keaton Parks official today. It’s a one-year loan for the American.
Born in the USA @keaton_parks pic.twitter.com/X614iLszNy
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) January 19, 2019
Parks, 21, made his USMNT debut in May of last year in a friendly against Bolivia. It is his first and only senior national team cap. The Texas native joined Benfica in 2017 and has appeared for their first-team a handful of times, but hasn’t stuck permanently.
NYCFC are losing their top defensive midfielder, Yangel Herrera, and could use someone to fill that huge gap. Parks should get considerable chances to prove he’s the player to do just that. In the process, playing time in close proximity to the new USMNT manager cannot hurt his chances at more call-ups in the near future.