One of the young stars of the United States Men’s national team is on the move. Returning from a half-season loan spell at Celtic, Timothy Weah has officially departed Paris Saint-Germain. Unable to compete with the star power currently dominating PSG’s first team, the young American has made a move away from the French giants, joining their Ligue 1 rival Lille OSC.
Timothy Weah Completes Move to Lille OSC
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Timothy Weah has joined @losclive on a definitive transfer#MerciTimothy pic.twitter.com/40TQFxl0f7
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 29, 2019
Timothy Weah: A Bright American Star
According to a report from French outlet L’Equipe, Lille payed a transfer fee of €10 million for the young American. The report also goes on to confirm that Weah has signed a five-year contract with the French outfit. For the young American, the move to Lille represents a major opportunity.
Finishing second in Ligue 1 last season, Lille qualified for the 2019/20 Champions League. Presenting Weah with the chance to not only earn regular starts but also a chance to test himself against Europe’s elite, Lille is the perfect club for this stage of Weah’s career. Remaining in France, Weah should easily adapt to life in Lille, a fact that will aid the young American early in the upcoming campaign.
Joining the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy at the age of 14, Weah is the son of PSG legend and former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah. Progressing through the ranks at the French club, Weah made his debut with PSG’s B-side in 2017 before making his debut with the main club at the end of the 2017/18 season.
Appearing in six matches for PSG, Weah did manage to score two goals for the French giants. However, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Edinson Cavani ahead of him in the PSG pecking order, Weah found minutes hard to come by. Due to this, Weah would head out on loan this past January, joining Scottish side Celtic.
His five months in Scotland’s top flight proved to be a moderate success for the American. Appearing in 17 matches for Celtic, Weah would score four goals while adding an assist during his time with the Glasgow outfit. Of course though, Weah’s biggest breakthrough over the last year has been with the United States national team.
Earning his first cap with the national side at the young age of 18, Weah scored his first international goal in May of 2018 during the United States’ 3-0 victory over Bolivia. Besides this, Weah has also played an important role in the youth team’s international success. Playing in both the U-17 and U-20 World Cup’s, Weah helped lead both American teams to a Quarterfinals appearance.
How Weah Fits in at Lille
Capable of playing both along the wing and as a central attacker, Timothy Weah’s biggest contribution will be his speed. Possessing a quality first touch, Weah has the acceleration and speed to blow by most defenders. However, unlike most wingers, Weah is not an assist machine, choosing to normally go alone in his run on goal.
This could make his position of choice tricky for Lille manager Christophe Galtier. While the speed asset would normally make Weah a definite choice at winger, his knack and desire for goal could also make him a quality striker.
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