Djordje Mihailovic will become the latest American international to leave MLS for Europe when he joins Dutch side AZ Alkmaar on Jan. 1.
The 23-year-old midfielder will play out the remainder of the MLS season with CF Montréal before joining Alkmaar in the winter transfer window. According to MLSsoccer.com’s Tom Bogert, the deal is reportedly worth more than $6 million and includes a sell-on clause, while the Chicago Fire will receive 10% of the transfer fee after he left the club for Montreal in 2021.
“This is a very exciting moment for me, but also sad, knowing that I will be leaving CF Montréal,” Mihailovic said in a statement. “When I joined this team from Chicago, I didn’t expect this kind of reception. I want to thank the fans for their support. It has been an incredible experience.
“… Europe has always been my dream. … But it’s not over yet. This season we have the opportunity to do something special for the club and the city.”
Over the last two seasons, Mihailovic has recorded 11 goals and 20 assists in 54 MLS matches. He has made made his last appearance for the U.S. men’s national team in
Mihailovic isn’t the first American to play for the Eredivisie side: Forwards Jozy Altidore (39 goals in 67 appearances) and Aron Jóhannsson (29 goals in 58 appearances) each played for AZ Alkmaar over the last decade.
