Josh Wynder probably isn't a name fans outside the USA have heard of, but after this big money move, more people certainly will know exactly who he is.
The 18-year-old, who made his professional debut with USL side Louisville SC in 2021, will now be plying his trade for Benfica after the Eagles opted to spend approximately $1.2 million to secure his signature. It's set a new record for a player transferring out of the USA's second-tier, topping Hadji Barry's 2022 move from the Colorado Spring Switchbacks to Egyptian Premier League side Future FC.
Wynder has made a total of 45 appearances across all comps for Louisville SC, but will now be taking a huge step up in his career by signing with Benfica, who are the reigning Primeira Liga champions. Reports have indicated that he's likely expected to start out with Benfica's reserves before making the jump to the first team.
The young defender, was recently in action for the USMNT's under-20 side, who were beaten 2-0 by Uruguay in the quarter-finals of this this year's FIFA under-20 World Cup.
Benfica, for their part, are well known for scouting and developing young players, many of whom have gone on to be big players on the footballing stage. As such, the Eagles clearly feel that Wynder fits that mold, and USMNT fans will be eager to see how this promising talent further develops now that he's moving over to Europe.
