United States forward Jordan Morris to train with Werder Bremen, will turn pro
United States forward Jordan Morris will join German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen for a training spell next week.
Morris is scheduled to join Bremen in their training camp in Belek, Turkey on Monday as he weighs his potential professional options, the German club said in a statement on Tuesday.
“It is a good opportunity to become acquainted with a player in closer detail to us,” Werder Bremen general manager Thomas Eichin said. “Nothing more, nothing less.”
Stanford junior Morris confirmed he will forgo his senior season in order to pursue professional options on Tuesday afternoon, according to a university release. Morris’ exact destination remains uncertain, though.
I am very excited for the next chapter of my career! To my friends and to this amazing place, thank you! #GoCard pic.twitter.com/0hcR9vwt3k
— Jordan Morris (@JmoSmooth13) January 5, 2016
MLS side Seattle Sounders has offered Morris -- a product of the Sounders Academy and the son of chief medical director Michael Morris -- a Homegrown contract to join the club in time for the 2016 season.
Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey told reporters in November that his club had offered Morris the most lucrative Homegrown deal in club history in a bid to entice him to sign with the club.
“It’s up to Jordan,” Lagerwey said. “Jordan will come out when he wants to come out, and he’ll go where he wants to go. We hope he signs with us, but it’s out of our control.”
Morris’ decision to join Bremen for a training spell illustrates his desire to explore potential alternatives. The promising forward is an attractive option for European clubs because he is a 21-year-old full international available on a free transfer.
Bremen now has the chance to evaluate Morris in person to determine whether a possible move makes sense for both parties.
Once Morris completes his time with Bremen in Turkey, he is likely to join U.S. camp in Carson, Calif. ahead of the friendlies against Iceland (Jan. 31) and Canada (Feb. 5).
