Transfer Watch: US U-23 defender Will Packwood potentially set to join New England Revolution

Will Packwood (Transfer Watch)

Another American international appears to be headed back home.


Birmingham City’s official site announced on Wednesday that the club has granted US Under-23 defender Will Packwood’s request to terminate his contract early, which opens the door for the 21-year-old to sign with a new team.


The announcement indicated that Packwood, a Massachusetts native, will join the New England Revolution for a trial period before potentially signing with the defending Eastern Conference champions.


A New England Revolution spokesperson confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that Packwood would be training with the team next week.


Born and raised in the Boston area, Packwood joined Birmingham’s academy in 2007 at the age of 14. He made his professional debut in March 2012, and leaves the Championship club having appeared in 21 first-team contests.


The 6-foot-3 center back suffered a major injury in January 2013, missing nearly nine months after breaking his leg during an FA Cup match against Leeds United. He was sent on three loan stints following his injury, playing for League Two side Bristol Rovers in the winter of 2013-2014 before joining lower league clubs Colchester United and Cheltenham Town this season. He made just one appearance for Birmingham this campaign.


A one-time call-up to the USMNT, Packwood has played twice for the US U-23s this year, going the full 90 in a pair of March friendlies at Bosnia & Herzegovina and at Denmark. He was not a part of the mostly North American-based squad that beat the Mexico U-23s 3-0 last month.