Joshua Wynder: USMNT next wonderkid?

The American also took part in U-20 Men's National Team program.

In 2022, Wynder ran a ground-breaking campaign. He played throughout all three of the club's playoff games as it won the Eastern Conference title for the fourth time, participating in 24 games throughout the regular season and playoffs. Wynder also received his first call-up to the young national team, twice served as team captain, and contributed to the United States U-19s' unbeaten season.

Wynder took part in the United States U-20 Men's National Team program in January and completed a practising spell with Portuguese powerhouse Benfica as it started preparing for the FIFA Men's U-20 World Cup in Indonesia in May.

The services of Joshua Wynder, a young international for the United States, and Louisville City FC are sought after by several elite teams in Europe.

The 17-year-old centre-back, who was a top contender for both the USL Championship Young Player of the Year as well as the Young Male Player of the Year in U.S. Soccer the year before, is expected to be the newest new talent from the Championship to leave for Europe. A transfer could happen as soon as this summer after Wynder turns 18 in May.

“There’s been a lot of teams all throughout Europe, a lot of Champions League teams, that have been looking at him,” said head coach Cruz. “I think ultimately we try to have as many discussions as we can with the player, with family, with his agent, and Josh is going to end up going to a place that he feels is best for his development.”

Joshua Wynder, a potential player of the USMNT, is apparently attracting Benfica's transfer attention, and a sizable offer is imminent.Wynder's acquisition by Benfica will break the USL's transfer record, claims Manuel Veth, and the club is expected to sign the player after Louisville initially rejected offers from numerous MLS teams.

The Portuguese club has one of the best scouting networks in the world, so the fact that they identified the 17-year-old as a priority is a tribute to U.S. Soccer's occasionally criticised development programme.

It won't take long for him to be considered for senior USMNT action if he maintains his present trajectory and finally breaks through with Benfica. In the years to come, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, the Stars and Stripes are eager to test potentially promising talents. In attack and midfield, they already have youthful starters, but defence is still a work in progress.

Wynder won't feature in the senior team's friendly against Colombia and Serbia this month, but other intriguing young players have been brought into camp.

Playing style of Joshua Wynder

Wynder is a little docile while in possession, the passing vision is still there. He has ideal physical makeup; he stands taller than six feet and moves like a true gazelle. Wynder's acceleration won't blow you away, but he's quick enough and an excellent defender in the box.