American teenager Villyan Bijev has agreed terms this weekend with Premier League giants Liverpool, according to a report from Californian news channel KMPH Fox 26.
The report claimed that Bijev has signed a three-year contract with a two-year option, and his high school coach and former MLS midfielder Chad McCarty confirmed the information to the television station.
The striker will avoid any work permit issues because he holds Bulgarian citizenship through his father, Chris, who was born in Bulgaria and is now a renowned attorney in Northern California specializing in immigration and nationality issues.
The 18-year-old forward has been a prolific scorer with his club, Cal Odyssey, in the Development Academy for the past three seasons. Last year, he notched over 20 goals as his team finished as runners-up in the Under-16 section. This year, he averaged a goal a game and was voted into the national starting XI at the Under-18 level.
A native of Fresno, Bijev played for the USA's Under-18 team in May at the Lisbon International tournament.
The youngster is understood to have impressed the Liverpool coaching staff while on trial at the Anfield club last week, scoring five goals and contributing two assists in two games for the Reds' Under-18 academy team.
Earlier this year, Bijev declined an invitation to join the USFC SuperElite tour, and instead spent time training in Bulgaria before heading to England for the trial with Liverpool.
With his combination of skill and deft touch, Bijev has been tipped for a bright future either as a forward or in central midfield.
He told Goal.com earlier this year that he wants to improve his runs off the ball and strength in possession.
Assuming he can improve those two traits, Bijev will hope to enjoy a more successful career with Liverpool than compatriots Brad Friedel and Zak Whitbread, who both failed to make the grade at Anfield - though Friedel, now at Tottenham via Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa, went on to enjoy a superb career in the English Premier League.
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