QUERÉTARO, Mexico — US U-17 midfielder Marc Pelosi says Liverpool has been keeping tabs on him, and he’ll decide where to head after the Under-17 World Cup.
The speedy playmaker also has interest from elsewhere in England and Europe. Tottenham Hotspur were mentioned as another potential suitor, though rumors linking him to AS Roma seem to be just that.
“[What I’ll do] really depends, after the tournament,” he said. “College could still be a good option. It depends on the offers that are coming in. Going pro is my first priority. We heard there was some strong interest from Liverpool, and Germany a few places, so I’m just deciding where to go.”
Sources close to Pelosi say Liverpool approached the US Soccer Federation about Pelosi after seeing him play for the Under-17 national team. The midfielder has been in residency at the Bradenton Academy leading up to the World Cup. Pelosi also holds a German passport, making a move to Europe that much easier.
In the meantime, Pelosi hopes to help the Americans make a deep run in Mexico, though he’ll have to sit out Thursday’s massive knockout match with Germany after picking up a double-yellow sending-off in the group finale against New Zealand.
“I’m just trying to help the team, that’s the most important thing, not trying to stick out individually,” Pelosi said. “I try to hold and move the ball and when I have a chance, attack and make combos and get into the attack.”
Pelosi said staying at home in MLS wasn’t completely out of the question either. He said he would enjoy staying close to home in California if the option were to come up.
“The US league is a very good option, always getting better at this point," he said. "The MLS might be a little easier to get used to at this point at a first-team level.”
Two other U-17 stars shed a little light on their futures as well. Attacker Mario Rodriguez said he’s also looking at professional options.
“If there’s no chance of pro, then college would sound good,” said Rodriguez after the team’s scoreless draw with New Zealand this past weekend. “I haven’t spoken to any agent or pro team. I would consider a Mexican team if that were an option.”
Front-line running mate Alfred Koroma also hopes to turn pro this summer if offers arrive, though he said there’s been no firm contact from Europe.
“I’m hoping I can sign with a big club,” he said. “Or a club that could give me some minutes in Europe, maybe.”
