On Tuesday, 16-year-old Landon high school junior Kristian Fletcher was named The Washington Post's All-Met Player of the Year after the forward recorded nine assists and 26 goals, including the winner in the Interstate Athletic Conference championship game, in just 17 games.
Shortly after clinching the IAC tournament title for Landon, Fletcher made national news by boarding a flight for England to begin a two-week trial with Manchester United (he actually holds a British passport, making a potential move to Europe before the age of 18 much easier).
16-year-old forward Kristian Fletcher is on trial at Manchester United. He’s training with the U19s at United and has a British passport. Other top clubs in Europe are interested.
He played for Bethesda Academy. Scored 17 goals for Landon high school, led them to a league title. pic.twitter.com/BRu6AB2348— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) November 18, 2021
However, according to Fox Sports reporter Keith Costigan, Fletcher will actually follow in the footsteps of Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna by signing with Borussia Dortmund, where he's also previously had a trial.
Per @KeithCostigan, Kristian Fletcher is set to sign with @BVB! #RepDMV pic.twitter.com/hho00SqQYN
— DMV Soccer (@DMVSoccer96) December 15, 2021
Dortmund has never shied away from giving game time to youngsters. This season has already seen Youssoufa Moukoko (17), Jude Bellingham (18), Reinier (19), Ansgar Knauff (19) and Reyna (19) log minutes in the Bundesliga.
Fletcher has also played for Bethesda Academy, which is part of the MLS NEXT system.