One of the most talented young forwards in the history of the American game has officially joined Schalke 04, bringing a close to a deal that had been in the works since January.
Haji Wright, an 18-year-old from Los Angeles, California, has been on Schalke’s radar for years. However, he was unable to sign with the club, or any club abroad, until his 18th birthday, a milestone he reached on March 27. Wright and Schalke had agreed to terms earlier this year but he's finally been allowed to put pen to paper.
The 6’2’’ Wright spent his youth career with the LA Galaxy academy before signing a short term deal with NASL club New York Cosmos. He’d previously trained with Schalke and had attracted a wide interest after his performances with United States youth national teams.
However, Schalke always looked like the preferred destination for the phenom striker.
Very happy to announce that I have officially signed with @s04. Excited for the future and can't wait to get started. #GlückAuf
— Haji Wright (@HajiWright) April 15, 2016
Wright joins the latest influx of Americans abroad, including the likes of Matt Miazga (Chelsea), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) and Matthew Olosunde (Manchester United). Somewhere, Jurgen Klinsmann is pouring himself a tall Beck's.