Report: Werder Bremen to sign U.S. youth international Josh Sargent

So far, 2017 is turning into the year of Josh Sargent. The St. Louis native starred for the U.S. U-17 team at the CONCACAF Championship and was the recipient of a surprising call-up to the U-20 World Cup where he’s scored a brace in the opening match so far. If reports are to be believed, the 17-year-old striker will be Bundesliga-bound when FIFA rules allow him to sign a pro contract abroad.

It was reported on beIN Sports’ The XTRA show that the German club will sign Sargent when he turns 18 in February. Reports of Bremen leading the race first emerged on Friday when MSG’s Kristian Dyer revealed their heavy interest.

The reason he has to wait until he turns 18 is because FIFA rules prohibit minors from signing a transfer to a club outside of their country of birth. There are several exemption possibilities like if a youngster holds a European passport, but Sargent does not meet those qualifications.

The future seems extremely bright for the young forward. He reportedly trained with Schalke earlier this year. Apparently Werder Bremen caught on to his talent and swooped in for his signature. Although not official, the report states that an announcement could come at any time.

Bremen signed American international Aron Johannsson in 2015, but his spell at the club has been marred by injuries and he’s not set to leave this summer. The club finished this season in 8th.