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Official: Chris Durkin headed to Europe

Key U-20 contributor appears to be on his way to Belgium

USA v Ecuador: Quarter Final - 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images

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.

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?