Fiorentina sign Joshua Perez

One of the most highly regarded American prospects, California native Joshua Perez, has agreed to a deal with Fiorentina. Perez himself announced the news on twitter shortly after signing:

Very happy to announce that I have officially signed with @acffiorentina and I want to thank all my friends and family for supporting me

— Joshua Perez (@Josh__perezzz) February 4, 2016

Perez was a member of the United States U-17 team that took place in last summer's World Cup in Chile, where he played of the bench. The United States was eliminated in the group stage, although this is widely considered a promising generation for the improving Americans.

Football runs in the family for the 18 year old, who is the nephew of retired United States international Hugo Perez - an El Salvadorian born midfielder who accumulated 73 caps and many more stepovers for the Americans between 1984 and 1994. Like his uncle, Joshua Perez is a small but skilled left footed winger and midfielder who is at his best cutting in from the opposite flank, making use of his dribbling skill.

Although training with Fiorentina on and off since 2013, the youngster has had to wait to sign officially. Due to FIFA rules, a player without a European passport must wait until they are 18 to officially sign with a European club. Perez turned 18 on January 21, paving the way for an official move at last.