Richard Ledezma Signs with PSV Eindhoven

Richard Ledezma has officially signed with PSV Eindhoven. One of the worst kept secrets of the last several months is the 18-year-old’s expected signature with the Dutch club. After undergoing a medical this week, he is officially signed through June of 2020 and will start out with PSV’s U-19s.

Ledezma is a dual national Mexican-American that has represented the United States at the youth levels. He’s likely to feature at the U-20 World Cup this coming summer. Groomed at Real Salt Lake’s Academy, Ledezma will leave on a free transfer due to never signing a homegrown deal. After featuring five times for the Real Monarchs (Real Salt Lake’s USL affiliate), he trialed with PSV over the summer and impressed. However, he was unable to make the move official until January due to his birthday in early September falling after the Summer transfer window had closed. Ledezma has outstanding quality with the ball at his feet. He’s very good at navigating traffic and playing accurate passes. He also has good versatility and is capable of playing in many positions in midfield.

While Ledezma is unlikely to play for their senior team this season, next summer could be very important as he looks to fight his way into the first team picture. PSV’s senior team are defending Eredivisie champions and currently hold a slim two-point advantage against Ajax for first place. It would help Ledezma’s cause to get into the first team if they can once again qualify for Champions League and have the opportunity to rotate often next season.

Ledezma joins a growing contingent of Americans in the Netherlands. Andrija Novakovich (Fortuna Sittard) and Erik Palmer-Brown (NAC Breda) are all currently playing in the top division on loan. Kyle Scott (Telstar SC), Kai Koreniuk (AZ Alkmaar) and Sergiño Dest (AFC Ajax) are playing in the second division with the youth teams and could feature against Ledezma when and if he plays for Jong PSV (PSV’s U-21’s).

Let’s wish the young man the best of luck as he starts his journey in Holland. Congratulations, Richie!