Enes Sali FC Dallas MLS transferGetty Images

FC Dallas sign record-breaking Romanian wonderkid! Former La Masia starlet Enes Sali arrives in MLS having trained alongside Lionel Messi & Co. at Barcelona

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • FC Dallas sign Enes Sali
  • 17-year-old Romanian-Canadian wonderkid
  • Trained in La Masia academy growing up
  • Enes Sali Romania 2021Getty Images

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    The youngster joins FCD to bolster their attack ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign. After losing Alan Velasco to a season-ending ACL injury late in 2023, Sali will instantly compete with the attacking core for starting minutes in 2023. The Argentine winger is expected to be out until at least April, potentially into the summer window as well. Sali, who grew up in the famed La Masia academy, trained alongside Lionel Messi, Neymar and Andres Iniesta - individuals who helped him refine his footballing skills and traits. Sali joins via an MLS U-22 Initiative slot.

  • Advertisement
  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Sali could be the next young prodigy to be in and out of the FC Dallas system. No other MLS club has produced young talent like the North-Texas side, with the likes of USMNT stars Chris Richards, Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi all formerly being a part of their academy. On top of that, USMNT-hopefuls Bryan Reynolds and Justin Che also make up FC Dallas graduates on top of current U.S. striker Jesus Ferreira - who still crafts his trade for the club.

  • Nico Estevez FC Dallas 2023USA Today Sports

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Sali was born in Toronto, Canada and has not been called up to the Romanian national team since 2021, when he debuted at just 15-years-old. Hypothetically speaking, he's nearing eligibility to make a one-time nationality switch. If he were to succeed in MLS, Sali could put himself on the CMNT radar a a result.

    GOAL explains eligibility rules here, where it states how and why Sali could eventually represent Les Rogues.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • WHAT NEXT FOR SALI AND FC DALLAS?

    The youngster will now go about relocating from across the world in Romania, to Dallas, Texas. It will be a big switch for the 17-year-old, but the Technical staff of the MLS side see him as a worthwhile investment. For FCD as a club, it's offseason mode, and their eyes are all set on 2024. Preseason begins in January, so right now, they're looking at roster decisions, free agency and scouting potential transfers to bolster their squad.