Real Salt Lake academy product Richie Ledezma has signed a one-and-a-half year contract at PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch club announced Friday.
The 18-year-old US youth international played for Real Monarchs in the United Soccer Leagues in 2018. Per MLSsoccer.com's Sam Stejskal, RSL did make the midfielder an offer.
Ledezma, who will join the PSV U-19 side, has previously trialed in Eindhoven before.
“Hard work and support from my teammates have brought me to where I am,” Ledezma said in a statement. “I was surprised when I heard that PSV showed an interest in me, but I am really looking forward to playing games in the red-and-white shirt. I’ve been made to feel welcome here. PSV is a big club and I like the town of Eindhoven. I can’t wait to come to Holland at the start of next year.”
PSV scouts called Ledezma a “dynamic and versatile box-to-box midfielder” and were impressed by his “eagerness to learn and his determination to make the most of his chances.”
Ledezma, who has made four appearances for the US U-20 national team, came up through the RSL academy and made his professional debut for Real Monarchs in April, coming off the substitute’s bench in a 3-1 win over Seattle Sounders FC 2. He scored his first goal for Real Monarchs on June 4 in a 2-0 win over Rio Grande Valley FC and was named to the USL Team of the Week.
