Rubio Rubin's professional career has endured a rough patch the past two years, but he is ready to make the jump back across the Atlantic to try and recharge it.
The 21-year-old has signed a deal with Liga MX side Club Tijuana, sources confirmed to Goal on Friday, with the Liga MX club formally announcing the move later in the night. Rubin joins Xolos on a free transfer after having left Norwegian side Stabaek last year.
Rubin secured his move to Club Tijuana late on Wednesday night, just before the close of the Liga MX transfer window, choosing Club Tijuana ahead of a move to the U.S. after negotiations with MLS stalled in the past week.
The young forward has spent the past three years in Europe since turning pro at 18 and signing with Dutch club FC Utrecht.
He starred at the Under-20 World Cup in 2015, helping the U.S. reach the quarterfinals, but a broken foot suffered in the fall of 2015 derailed his time at FC Utrecht.
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A year ago, Rubin left the Netherlands and joined Danish club Silkeborg, but played sparingly. He made another move to Stabaek last summer, but struggled again for playing time before parting ways with the club this winter.
Rubin recently took part in the U.S. national team January camp and played seven minutes in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, enjoying some positive moments in his cameo appearance.
Club Tijuana is off to a good start to the Clausura season, currently unbeaten through four matches and tied on points atop the Liga MX standings.
Xolos have seen an exodus of American players over the past year, with Greg Garza and Paul Arriola moving to MLS and Joe Corona joining Club America on loan. Rubin will join Michael Orozco and Alejandro Guido as the remaining Americans on the Tijuana roster.
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