:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65144363/1148703834.jpg.0.jpg)
According to reports from Steven Goff, D.C. United and United States U-20 player Chris Durkin is making a move to Europe with a loan to Belgian side Sint-Truiden that includes an option to buy.
D.C. United loaning U-20 intl MF Chris Durkin to Sint-Truiden in Belgium through May. Option to buy. Durkin, 19, wanted the opportunity to go overseas. He will arrive there today. #dcu #mls
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) August 30, 2019
It has long been rumored that Durkin was the subject of great interest and that Durkin’s camp was desiring a move abroad, and the move is finally taking place with the player headed to Sint-Truiden of the Belgian Pro League, the first division in Belgium. Sint-Truiden is currently in 12th place in the 16 team league with just four points through their first five matches.
The move is a nine month loan with an option to buy when Sint-Truiden’s season ends and the loan expires. D.C. United will also retain a 20% stake if Sint-Truiden exercises the buy option, meaning that the MLS side would receive a sell-on fee should Durkin move elsewhere. Durkin has been a key contributor to the U.S. youth teams over the years, including starting and playing the full 90 in all but one game of the recent U-20 World Cup, where the team made a run to the quarterfinals.
This is a big opportunity for Chris Durkin to develop and advance his career but as always a move comes with its risks. What do you think? Is this the right move for Durkin?