New England Revolution
Bajraktarević is the first Revolution academy graduate to head directly overseas, joining a club renowned for its success and development of young talent.
One of the more promising players to come through the Revolution’s academy is on his way to a top European team.
Esmir Bajraktarević, a 19-year-old New England Homegrown Player, is heading to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, the reigning Eredivisie champions, after the clubs agreed to a transfer deal for an undisclosed fee (which, according to the team’s announcement on Thursday, also includes a percentage of “future sell-on rights”). According to the Boston Globe‘s Frank Dell’Apa, the transfer fee is set at $6 million.
Bajraktarević’s departure marks the first time a New England academy graduate has been sold directly to an overseas club. PSV, which currently leads the top Dutch division over rivals Ajax by six points through 17 games, is known for its development of younger players over the years. PSV is also competing in the UEFA Champions League, generally seen as the highest level of men’s soccer competition in the world.
A Wisconsin native, Bajraktarević joined New England’s academy in 2021. He quickly ascended the ranks and made his first team debut in 2022. In all, he totaled 45 appearances for the Revolution, finishing with three goals and three assists.
“Thank you to all the Revolution fans who have supported me throughout my time in New England. I’m grateful to [sporting director] Curt Onalfo for bringing me to New England, and to [head coach] Caleb Porter and all the coaches from the first team through the academy who helped prepare me for this next step,” Bajraktarević said in a team statement.
“This club has been a second family to me since I moved into the residency in 2021,” he added, “and I will remain a Revolution supporter wherever I go. I can’t wait to see the Revs fans again soon down the road.”
At the international level, Bajraktarević made his debut for Bosnia and Herzegovina (with whom he has dual-citizenship through his parents) in 2024, assisting his childhood hero, Edin Džeko.
From playing in an Edin Dzeko jersey to assisting him for the Bosnian national team. 🥹
What a moment on debut for 19-year-old Esmir Bajraktarevic—born in Wisconsin, now representing the country of his parents 🇧🇦pic.twitter.com/m1QHbzaTgO
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) September 8, 2024
The move to PSV should help Bajraktarević continue his development as a highly promising talent. From a New England perspective, it’s a major landmark for the club’s academy system, representing a clear success in the recent investment in having a residency program, which allowed Bajraktarević to join from Wisconsin.
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