USA international sets sights on dream Liverpool move

Over the past few years, the Major League Soccer in America has been drawing an increasing number of young footballing hopefuls as they aim to improve their game across the channel before attempting to crack their way into the European leagues.

The former footballer and current President of Liberia George Weah’s nephew has started out his career with this progressively popular career path.

Kyle Duncan has recently left New York Red Bull in the MLS and is joining the Belgian side, KV Oostende on a free transfer but he has also revealed that his ultimate aim is to play in a red shirt at Anfield.

Who is Kyle Duncan?

Kyle Duncan was born in Brooklyn, New York, and is the cousin of fellow professional footballer, Timothy Weah - George Weah’s son.

The 24-year-old began his footballing career with the New York Red Bulls and in 2015 declined a professional contract with the second team in the hope of making it in the European Leagues.

Duncan signed a two-year contract with the Ligue 2 side Valenciennes. After his first season he was promoted to the first side but did not make any appearances in the 2016/17 season.

In 2018, Duncan returned to his former American side. His 2018/19 season was cut short due to suffering an ACL injury against Orlando city SC in March 2018 and was subsequently loaned to the New York Red Bull seconds in order to build up game time once again.

In November 2021, it was announced that Duncan had joined the Belgian club Oostende on a free transfer. As of Tuesday 8 February, Duncas has played four matches for his side.

Duncan has played for the United States International team since U18 level and has played one match for his country at senior level.

During a Red Bull’s match against Portland TImbers, a television commentator, Jonathan Yardley described Weah’s nephew as ‘dominating’ and that he ‘totally manhandled’ his experienced direct opponent.

It was also cited that the right-back’s ‘attitude and work ethic’ was the reason for Red Bulls to resign him.

What has Kyle Duncan said?

Duncan was interviewed by Oostende’s website and they asked what his goals were going forward in football:

“I would just love to inspire people. There are many young football players like me in America, and I want to show them that you can really make sure your dreams come true. If you believe in yourself and you work very hard, you can go far. There are still some players from the US in Germany and even here in Belgium, but my dream competition is the Premier League.

Liverpool are my favourite team, they really play the type of game I dream of. Yes, it’s my dream to play there someday. Whether that will ever happen, I don’t know, but I will continue to work hard to keep taking steps.”

Who is George Weah?

Weah became the 25th President of Liberia in 2018 but prior to taking office, Weah was known as one of the greatest football players in the world.

He played as a striker in an 18-year career and is the first African former professional footballer to become a head of state.

The 55-year-old represented Liberia on 75 occasions, scoring 18 goals for his country and in 1995, he became the first and to date only player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or while representing an African country internationally.

His Premier League experience included a loan spell at Chelsea in 2000 as well as another brief spell at Manchester City in the same year.

The Liberian striker spent the majority of his career at Monaco and AC Milan where he made 103 and 114 appearances respectively for the clubs.

Not only does Weah’s son Timothy play professionally, but his son George has also played in the youth internationals for the United States.

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