Liverpool youngster Daniel Trickett-Smith has signed for American side Sacramento Republic, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The 20-year-old’s contract runs out at Anfield this summer and he had been considering his options after being told he would not be offered an extension.
And the academy product has now confirmed on his Twitter page that he is heading to California to play for Sacramento Republic in the United Soccer League – America’s third tier.
He tweeted: “Want to say a massive thank you to everyone at LFC – staff, players and especially the fans for the support over the years.
“Happy to have signed for Sacramento Republic FC. Can’t wait to get over there and start playing.”
Ironically, Trickett-Smith could make his debut against his former teammates with Republic set to host Liverpool U21s on Saturday night as part of the young Reds post-season tour of the US.
His departure will be a bitter disappointment to Anfield staff who held high hopes for the player after beating off competition from Manchester City to sign him from Crewe Alexandra for £300k in 2012.
But despite impressing in spells for both the U21s and U18s, his time on Merseyside had been hampered by injuries.
He will now hope to progress up the American ‘Soccer’ ladder under the tutelage of former Bristol Rovers manager Paul Buckle, who is now head coach at Sacramento.
With eight games of the current season gone, The Quails sit fourth place in the league, with a top eight finish needed to secure a play-off berth at the end of the season.
Last summer, they beat a strong Sunderland side 1-0 as part of The Black Cats’ pre-season preparations, before losing to their north-east rivals Newcastle United by the same scoreline.
