The 20-year-old Chilean and Mexican American soccer player and United States international has joined Portuguese giantsPorto from Norwich City.
Soto will join Porto’s B squad for the 2021-22 campaign.
The forward enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Eredivisieside Telstarlast season, scoring seven goals in 12 appearances.
Norwich were promoted back to the Premier League last season but Soto has failed to make a first-team appearance for the club since joining from German side Hannover in July 2020.
Soto has only made three appearances for Norwich’s Under-23s side in the Premier League 2 Division 2.
He has also impressed on international duty with the USMNT, scoring two goals on his debut in the 6-2 friendly win over Panamalast year.
The 20-year-old Chilean and Mexican American youth international soccer player has completed his move to English Championship side Norwich City, the club has revealed.
Soto arrives on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal plus an option of another year after his contract with 2.Bundesliga side Hannover 96 expired.
As Soto’s application for a work permit was denied, he’ll be forced to go out on loan for the first year of the deal, with a move to Dutch Eerste Divisie side Telstar among the possibilities.
“It’s a proud feeling. It’s super exciting to join Norwich City,” Soto said.
“The facilities here are really impressive. From the minute I arrived here, it’s given me a lot of excitement.
“Being a young player, it’s nice to hear that the head coach gives us a chance. It was a big factor in me moving here.
“I’m striker that loves scoring goals. I love being part of a good team that plays good football.”
Soto made five first team appearances for Hannover, and much was expected following an impressive set of performances for the U.S. Under-20 side at least year’s FIFA U20 World Cup.
But once it became apparent that Soto wouldn’t sign a new deal with Hannover, his place in the first team was compromised with injuries and overall competition for places also playing a part.
Norwich was recently relegated from the Premier League, but if Soto makes the most of his loan move, it could be a case of good timing.
Top scorer Teemu Pukki will be 31 by the time Soto’s presumptive loan would end, which might put the American in a better position to contend for a starting spot. The club did recently sign 23-year-old Luxembourg forward Danel Sinani.
Employment regulations will change when the UK leaves the European Union in January 2021, making it easier for Soto to get a work permit.
Soto signed with Hannover in 2018 after rising through the youth system at MLS side Real Salt Lake. He made a positive first impression at Hannover, scoring 17 goals in 24 appearances with Hannover’s U19 team during the 2018-19 season. He made his first team debut later in that campaign.
