Uly Llanez completes loan move to Heerenveen

The year of 2020 for Uly Llanez has already been quite the roller coaster and now it has taken yet another unexpected turn. The Wolfsburg winger will spend the new season on loan with Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. The deal to send the 19-year-old to the Netherlands to get some much-need playing time was announced today.

Despite working his way into the first team picture at Wolfsburg and appearing to be on the brink of his debut, Llanez just never was able to break in. Manager Oliver Glasner doesn’t seem to have the U.S. international in his current plans so a loan makes perfect sense. However, Wolfsburg did commit to his future, inking Llanez to a contract through 2024 before agreeing to the loan deal.

Heerenveen is no stranger for Americans, most notably from Michael Bradley’s stint at the club from 2006-2008 where he shined. The Eredivisie is a great league for young attackers to grow. USMNT players like Jozy Altidore have used the league to propel themselves to bigger leagues.

Llanez should get plenty of chances to play this season, which is what he really needs after making his international debut in February and scoring a goal. With a busy 2021 on the international calendar approaching, these are vital months for the teenager.