Teenage Forward Esmir Bajraktarevic Leaves New England Revolution for PSV in $6 Million Deal

Esmir Bajraktarevic, a talented 19-year-old forward, is set to join PSV Eindhoven, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first homegrown player from the New England Revolution to be sold to a club abroad. This transfer not only highlights Bajraktarevic’s potential but also signifies the Revolution’s growing reputation as a successful academy capable of nurturing and launching players into the global soccer stage.

The deal, which is reported to be valued at up to $6 million, includes a sell-on clause that indicates the club’s belief in Bajraktarevic’s future prospects. He has proven himself with nine goal contributions during his 57 appearances across three seasons with the Revolution, showcasing his talent and readiness to take the next step in his career.

This transition is particularly noteworthy as it represents a major milestone for the Revolution, as Bajraktarevic is the first homegrown athlete to make a leap to an overseas club. However, the organization has a history of developing and selling American talent to European teams, with stars like Matt Turner, Djordje Petrovic, and Tajon Buchanan having previously made similar moves. These transitions have paved the way for new talents, underlining the Revolution’s commitment to player development and success.

Bajraktarevic’s international appeal extends beyond club football; he previously made an appearance for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) before opting to represent Bosnia, the country of his heritage. This decision showcases his global football ambitions and his desire to leave a mark on the international scene.

At PSV, he will join a robust group of American players, including Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, and Richy Ledezma, who will offer him support as he acclimates to his new environment. The combination of these talented compatriots and the competitive atmosphere of the Eredivisie is likely to further enhance his growth as a player.

In a statement regarding Bajraktarevic’s departure, Revolution Sporting Director Curt Onalfo expressed pride in the young forward’s accomplishments: “We are delighted to enable this well-deserved transition for Esmir, which will provide him with the opportunity to advance his development in one of Europe’s finest leagues for young talents. Esmir’s rapid progression through our professional pathway is a point of pride for us, demonstrating the effectiveness of our system. His determination and professionalism have been exceptional, and I have no doubt they will serve him well at PSV. We extend our gratitude to Esmir for his significant contributions to the Revolution and commend him for being a remarkable role model for other emerging players in our program.”

Bajraktarevic will integrate into PSV immediately, with the Dutch side scheduled to resume competitive action against AZ on January 11. As he embarks on this promising new chapter of his career, fans and observers alike will be eager to witness his development and contributions on the field.

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