Official: Liverpool Sign US Starlet Villyan Bijev & Loan Him To Fortuna Dusseldorf

The 18-year-old scored on average a goal a game last season in America and joins the Reds after impressing on trial this summer, but has not been given a work permit

31-Aug-2011 10:55:00 PM

By Sam Bisby

More On :  Fortuna Düsseldorf, Liverpool
Villyan Bijev Cal Odyssey
Mike Dishno

Liverpool have signed young American striker Villyan Bijev from US side California Odyssey.

After impressing on a trial period at Melwood, scoring five goals in two games for the Reds in July, the youngster has now signed a three-year deal with the club.

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The 18-year-old netted over 20 goals for his side at under-16 level, averaging a goal a game and was voted into the national starting XI at the under-18 rank.

However, Bijev has yet to be handed a work permit to play in England and has been loaned out to Fortuna Dusseldorf.

JR Eskilson, of Goal.com USA, says Bijev is a "very gifted" player who can operate as a striker or in midfield, with good technique and a goalscoring mentality, although he is not the strongest in possession.

"In brief terms, he is very gifted," he said. "He has a deft touch, nose for the goal, and is deceivingly elusive for a player of his stature. He is making a big jump in terms of quality from a playing standpoint, but he is a very determined young man who comes from an educated family (in terms of soccer and smarts) and he is taking calculated risks for the better of his long-term career.

"He will do extremely well as long as he is placed in the right environment to help his development."

 

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