Julian Green has taken his Bayern Munich pedigree as far as he can. Now it's time for the young United States international to actually get some playing time with his club.
Green will join VfB Stuttgart of the German second division on a free transfer next month, agreeing to a contract that runs through June 2019.
The Tampa-born 21-year-old has spent his entire seven-year professional career in Bayern's system but hasn't been able to crack the mega-club's first-team lineup. His only two appearances this season have come in German Cup competition, leaving him a spectator in Bundesliga play.
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"Julian wants to have a new experience at a club where he'll be a first-team regular," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in a release. "It was tricky at FC Bayern due to a lot of competition. I wish Julian all the best for the future. He always was a hard-working, reliable and very likeable player for FC Bayern."
New challenge! After great years at @FCBayern, I'm really looking forward to the new club, the teammates and the city 👌🏾 @VfB #jg37 pic.twitter.com/64FjgB53CU
— Julian Green (@J_Green37) December 21, 2016
Green's getting on the field regularly should be a boost to the U.S. national team as qualifying for the 2018 World Cup intensifies next year. The winger has three goals in eight international appearances, including a tally against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
New U.S. coach Bruce Arena could use some more attacking options, and Green certainly would qualify if he's in form.
