French club Stade de Reims pulled off a potential masterstroke in the market by securing a deal to sign 18-year-old American defender Kobi Henry from USL Championship team Orange County. The fee paid by the Ligue 1 club is going to be an initial $700,000 but can potentially rise to a million. It makes Henry the most expensive player to come out of the second-tier division of football in the United States.#MercatoSDR 𝐊𝐨𝐛𝐢 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲, jeune défenseur central de 18 ans et international U20 américain 🇺🇸, s’engage avec le Stade de Reims ! ✍️🔴⚪️— Stade de Reims (@StadeDeReims) June 14, 2022 We’re already used to players from MLS commanding substantial fees, but this shows that European club have their eyes scouring for talent even outside the country’s top league.Kobi’s first name instantly brings memories of the legendary Los Angeles Lakers basketball superstar Kobi Bryant, while his surname will surely remind fans in France of Thierry Henry, one of the best players they’ve ever had. So, no pressure, kid!Thursday, 02.30: (1.89) New England (3.60) Orlando City (4.30)Kobi Henry has already gained a lot of attention last year when he became the first USL Championship player to receive a call-up from the US national team. Even though he hasn’t actually played for The Yanks, it shows that his potential makes him one for the future. Reims’ scouts certainly think so.USMNT U20 defender Kobi Henry has joined Ligue 1 side Reims.The 18 year old signs from Orange County SC for a record fee in the USL💫(via @opencup)pic.twitter.com/Pt8O5ZdHFo— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 14, 2022 Reims are experts at developing young players. Their sought-after striker Hugo Ekitike is a prime example. It was the main factor in Henry’s decision to move to the red and whites rather than to a European or MLS club.”This is why I came to this club, and I am very grateful that they gave me the opportunity to be a part of their program. I just think it is a great place for me to develop and hopefully get an opportunity.”Last season, Reims finished 12th in Ligue 1, mostly thanks to their solid defence. They conceded just 44 goals in 38 games, which is fewer than the likes of Brest, Lille, Nantes, Lyon and Lens, teams who have finished above Rouges et Blancs. Belgian 24-year-old centre-back Wout Faes, Moroccan veteran Yunis Abdelhamid and Guadeloupean Andreaw Gravillon were the most-used players in the heart of Oscar Garcia’s defence.Henry’s arrival has been confirmed just a few days after Reims secured the signing of two Australian boys with African roots, Mohamed Toure and Yaya Dukuly. Although neither of these lads will walk into the first team straight away, Reims should be an exciting team to watch in years to come.
