Vincenzo Bernardo in Discussions with the Union [UPDATE]

Posted on his website in early September, Vincenzo Bernardo has opted out of Napoli’s loan deal with a team in the Lega Pro Seconda Divisione (Italy’s fourth highest football league, and lowest with professional status) and is now a free agent.

“I am officially a free agent. At this time my representatives are looking for the best club for me to get first team minutes. I will leave Napoli within the next few days to travel to various clubs. The possibility to sign with a club outside of Italy is very high. I am happy with this path I choose and I want to thank Napoli for a wonderful experience. I will miss the beautiful city and the passionate fan support they have here. I am ready to settle into a new situation with a new club. Within the next few days I will be traveling to visit various clubs that have shown interest. Once I sign with a new club I can finally start playing and show everyone what I am capable of.”

Vincenzo had signed a 3-year deal with Napoli in September of 2008. He played for the Serie-A side for 3 years, 2 of them in the youth system and 1 on the reserve squad training with the first team.

A part of the U-20 US National Team pool, Vincenzo is rumored to be in talks with the Union about joining the team, as reported by ESPNsoccernet.

I have to be honest, I’ve never heard of the kid. The only details I do know are what can be found on the internet … in other words pretty basic stuff. Born on May 22, 1990 in Morristown, NJ (about 2 hours north of Philadelphia), he has dual citizenship with Italy and the United States. He is an attacking midfielder, has a compact frame (5’-6″, 145lbs), and is probably quick as hell on his feet. But, I have to wonder if he’s big enough to take on the physical nature of MLS. He did spend a couple years in the MetroStars youth system (2004-06), so there is some familiarity with the league.

The kid does have some moves, though. Or at least one really good one …

[UPDATE]

Bernardo posted via his Twitter page on September 16th that he’s doing an interview with an American website. Hopefully this might shed more light on the whole Union-discussion thing. I’ll post the link and/or my take on things once the interview is released.

[UPDATE 2]

It’s a bit vague, and I don’t know if this article on Goal.com is the interview Bernardo referenced, but he states that there’s a 50/50 chance of him playing in MLS next season. We shall see …

Category: Transfers & Signings, Union Roster, Union Rumors