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Former Atlanta United academy forward Zyen Jones is officially off to the Bundesliga. Schalke 04 have announced that the 17-year-old Georgia native will sign with the club and play for their U-19 team for the 2018-19 season.
Why the delay? FIFA rules prohibit Non-European players from signing in Europe before their 18th birthday. Seeing as how Jones has no ties to gain a European passport (like Christian Pulisic did with Borussia Dortmund), he’ll have to wait until he’s 18 to make his signing official.
Jones is the fourth American youth star to sign with Schalke, joining Weston McKennie, Haji Wright and Nick Taitague. From Clarkston, Jones was a standout for the U.S. U-17 team and is a dynamic attacking player who can play all across the front line as either a winger or striker.
Schalke is one of the best clubs in the world at producing talent. Their reputation for developing prospects into world class players is notorious. If a player is good enough to join a club like that, he should take that opportunity.
Good luck, Zyen!