U.S. U-20 star Weston McKennie signs with German club FC Schalke 04

(Via FC Schalke 04) – U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team player Weston McKennie has become the third U-19 signing for the FC Schalke 04 Royal Blues and will form part of Norbert Elgert’s U-19 Bundesliga side. The 18-year-old is a versatile midfielder, who can be deployed as part of a two-man central midfield or in the number 10 role.

“He’s a player who convinced us with his robustness and game awareness,” said FC Schalke Academy Director Oliver Ruhnert. “In the US he is one of the best footballers for his age. He is also a youth national team player and has also captained his team. He brings a lot of qualities with him, especially to the mental side of his game. We are therefore convinced that Weston is capable of becoming a professional footballer. The transfer therefore makes a lot of sense.”

Incidentally, the Texas-born McKennie already has a connection to Germany. He has already spent a couple of years living in the country as his father was stationed there with the U.S. military.

McKennie comes from the prestigious FC Dallas Academy where he scored 12 goals last season. The midfielder has played at many different levels for the United States and is currently a member of the nation’s U-20 squad.

“I’m really looking forward to Germany and Schalke 04,” said the 18-year-old. “I’d definitely like to establish myself as a professional footballer in Europe and to achieve that I’ll give my all every day.”