Real Salt Lake have offered a contract to club-developed striker Axel Kei, who at 14 years and 15 days is the youngest signing for a Major League Soccer team in their history.
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This two-year agreement announced on Friday thus surpasses that offered to the very promising Freddy Adu (14 years and 168 days), 18 years ago.
Without wishing to bring bad luck to young Kei, Adu’s professional career did not go as planned, he who never lived up to the immense expectations placed on him. Formerly dubbed “the future American Pelé”, the Ghanaian of origin rather dragged his suitcases around the world after his debut at 14 years old with DC United.
Getting back to Kei, he led the Real Salt Lake Under-15s to the inaugural edition of the MLS Next Cup Championship. Author of five goals in as many games, he won the Golden Boot of the competition.
“Over the past year, Axel has proven to be one of the top offensive prospects in the country. His natural ability in front of the net is exceptional for his age, and by adding his athletic prowess, he is destined to become an elite scorer in our league within the next few years,” the head coach said in a statement. Elliot Fall.
Kei also impressed with the Real Salt Lake Under-17s in addition to making his professional debut with the Real Monarchs last October. Coming into play for the American third division club, he became the youngest professional athlete in the history of team sports in North America.
Born in Ivory Coast, the teenager was raised in Brazil, where his father played professionally. At only 14 years old – need we remind you – Kei shows a solid frame of 6 ft 4 in and 183 lbs.