Uly Llanez completes loan switch to Heerenveen

The year 2020 was already a roller coaster ride for Uly Llanez and has now taken another unexpected turn. The Wolfsburg Winger will spend the new season on loan with Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. The deal to send the 19-year-old to the Netherlands for much-needed playing time was announced today.

Although Llanez had worked his way up to the first team picture in Wolfsburg and seemed to be about to make his debut, Llanez just couldn’t break in. Manager Oliver Glasner doesn’t seem to have the US international in his current plans, so a loan makes perfect sense. However, Wolfsburg was committed to its future, Colorize Llanez to a contract until 2024 before agreeing to the loan agreement.

Heerenveen is no stranger to Americans, especially from Michael Bradley’s stay at the club from 2006 to 2008, where he shone. The Eredivisie is a great league for young attackers to grow. USMNT players like Jozy Altidore have used the league to advance into larger leagues.

Llanez should have plenty of chances this season, which he really needs after making his international debut in February and scoring a goal. With a busy 2021 on the international calendar, these are important months for the teen.