It's been a long and winding path for Bobby Wood but now it appears he finally has a shot to become a star in the German Bundesliga.
On Sunday, the US international striker signed a four-year contract with Hamburg in the German top flight after scoring 17 goals with Union Berlin in the 2.Bundesliga this season. The 17 goals were the third most in the German second division.
In an interview with Hamburg's website, Wood calls the move "a dream come true" and he is hopeful he can help return the side to the upper echelons of the German top flight after finishing 10th in 2015-16.
Internationally, Wood has become one of the go-to forwards for Jurgen Klinsmann and he is expected to be named to USA's 23-man roster for next month's Copa America Centenario. He could be thrust into a starting role with the side after Jozy Altidoreappeared to injure his hamstring with Toronto FC on Saturday night. Wood has scored four goals in 16 appearances under Klinsmann.
A native Hawaiian, Wood joined 1860 Munich's academy in 2007 at the age of 14. He eventually made his first appearance with the club in January 2011, but managed to score just three goals over four years before being sent on loan to Erzgebirge Aue. His successful spell there led to him being sold to Union Berlin prior to this season.
