Diego Fagundez is very close to deciding his international career and it does not look good for the USMNT. Due to Fagundez not being a citizen of the United States, he cannot play for any of the youth teams. He still retains citizenship with Uruguay and is on their provisional roster for World Cup qualifying at the U-20 level. His recent run of form for the South American side makes it hard to believe that he will choose the USMNT over Uruguay.
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If and when Fagundez appears for Uruguay, which seems very likely, he cannot make the one-time switch to the USMNT. This fact really stinks for the Americans, especially when the need for speedy outside attackers is such a need. Fagundez adds pace, skill and clinical finishing to any team and apparently Uruguay seems to be the best fit.
Feelings about Fagundez potentially choosing Uruguay over the USMNT are getting mixed reviews. While some, like myself, would love to see Fagundez wearing the Red, White and Blue, others could care less.
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Since his 13 goal campaign in 2013 for the New England Revolution, Fagundez burst onto the scene in MLS and drew a lot of attention towards himself. Several offers for the young attacker came in from Italy, but nothing every materialized.
After his poor performance in 2014, rumors started circulating once again about just how long Fagundez would stay in New England. Thankfully, the club was able to leave him unprotected, but work out a deal to bring him back again in 2015. New England lost four forwards during the off-season, so Fagundez could see time up-top next season. Why not? He knows how to score some pretty crazy goals if the chance presents itself.
To many USMNT fans, Fagundez was never a name on their radar, simply because of his citizenship problems. Even if Fagundez wanted to play for the USMNT, he could be become a citizen until 2018. The feeling around New England is that Fagundez want’s to play now for a country, not in four more years.
"“Right now it’s kind of hard to say,” Fagundez said of the U.S. national team program. “They haven’t even approached me, and it looks like they’re not interested in me. I can’t keep waiting for them. I’ll see where this takes me. That’s why I’m going to Uruguay, I want to go there and represent the jersey and represent the country well.”"
It all seems pretty simple, Fagundez want’s to play and he want’s to do it now. So, if this were me, I would want to go and play where the best option to do it sooner than later was possible. Even though it pains me to see him in a different jersey then the USMNT, this move will be good for him, plus, playing with a higher level of talent will only make him better and help improve New England when he suits-up next March.
"“I’m looking forward to this, it’s something I’ve been waiting for for a while,” Fagundez said. “Now that it’s happening, it’s great. I still have work to do. Making the team is not automatic. I have to fight for my spot before I’m chosen for the South American championship.”"
Playing for a big country like Uruguay is great for Fagundez and could led to huge possibility in his playing career. He only have two years left in his contract with New England so depending on his performance at the U-20 level, Fagundez could find himself at a bigger club with a lot of cash in hand very soon.
What do you think about the move from Fagundez? Does it upset you?