Borrowed from USSoccer.com

According to Yanks Abroad, US U-20 central defender Gale Agbossoumonde has left Sporting Braga. With Braga's finances stretched and a renegotiation due with Traffic Sports (the holders of Agbossoumonde's rights) the young American was unable to stay. This is slightly distressing news; although Agbossoumonde's playing time at Braga was limited, he seemed to be in their plans and making strides.


The x-factor in Agbossoumonde's departure is Traffic. In recent years the Miami-based company (who also has an interest in Miami FC, and Agbossoumonde appears to be officially contracted to Miami FC) has gobbled up rights to young American talent and shipped those players off to various locales. Estoril Praia, a second division club which happens to be owned by Traffic, seems to be the largest beneficiary. Currently, Tony Taylor is with the club, and Agbossoumonde is training there while without a club.


The report indicates that Agbossoumonde will train in Portugal and look for a new club in Europe during the January transfer window. Agbossoumonde was actually on loan at Braga from Miami FC, so he's not technically out of contract.


I watched Agbossoumonde dominate at the Milk Cup, and he seems to have a bright future ahead of him. Let's hope he finds a good situation in January, and that the lost chance at playing time between now and then doesn't hamper his development. At 18, he's still very young.