AMSTERDAM – Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Kenny Jackett confirmed Tuesday that Juan Agudelo is on trial with the club, and the former MLSer is in his second week training with the English Championship promotion chasers
As originally reported by ESPNFC last week, the free agent US forward is keeping up a persistent pursuit of employment in England. Agudelo signed with Stoke City last January, but failed on a pair of work permit appeals and spent the tail end of the season on loan to Eredivisie side FC Utrecht.
"I'm sure the Premier League is his aspiration, but a good way to get there is to come to a Championship club, and at 21 he has time on his side," Jackett told English daily Express & Star.
"Would he have other options going forward into January? Yes. I'm sure his agent is talking to other people, but the fact he's here shows he's open to signing for us."
Agudelo has also had options up to now, with various reports linking him to the likes of New York City FC in MLS and Germany's Werder Bremen. In addition, sources on both sides of the Atlantic confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that Agudelo had an offer to re-join Utrecht as well as interest from their nearby rivals Feyenoord during the summer.
Agudelo appears set on getting a game in England, however, and the Washington Post has reported that his chosen shortcut may involve investing in Cyprus to qualify for a passport. With European Union papers in his travel bag, the youngster would bypass any need for another work permit application with the increasingly finicky UK Home Office.
For now, Agudelo – who also spent time working out with Orlando City FC – is stretching his legs daily at Wolves' Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground. He is allowed to play for the Under-21 team, and made that debut with a decent weekend showing.
"He played against Queens Park Rangers on Friday," Jackett said. "He did okay, and at 21, he's strong and he looks like he can get a goal. By the end of this week we'll definitely make a decision. We've had a good look at him. We've had plenty of 11 on 11's in training to make sure we get him right."
