Louisville City defender Josh Wynder has completed a record-breaking transfer to Portuguese giants Benfica.
Wynder will join Benfica on a deal worth a reported $1.2 million plus add-ons, the first seven-figure sale of a player from the USL.
Pro Soccer Wire reported in March that the teenager would join the Portuguese champions after his 18th birthday in May, with Monaco and Red Bull Salzburg also interested in the U.S. youth international.
Wynder is coming off a solid performance at the U-20 World Cup, where he started four of the team’s five games despite being one of the youngest members of the squad.
“I’m very grateful to Louisville City for everything the club has done for me,” Wynder told the club’s website. “It’s a dream come true to sign with Benfica, and I can’t wait to get started there. Although my career’s taking me overseas, I’ll always be proud of where I’m from and represent Louisville to the best of my ability.”
Wynder, a Louisville native, signed his first professional deal with his hometown club in 2021 and has gone on to make 45 total appearances, scoring two goals.
The teenager also received his first senior USMNT call-up for April’s friendly against Mexico.
“This is a proud moment for Louisville City, our youth academy and our community,” said coach Danny Cruz. “We are going to miss seeing Josh in the locker room each day, but I could not be more proud of the path that he is on in his career. The type of person he is continues to stand out to me, and we look forward to watching him reach new heights to also become the best player he can be.”
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