Tyler Boyd - USA (Los Angeles FC | USA)

Another all white playing in Europe.. no complaints there, better than sitting on the bench here. Not like he was playing week in and week out for the Nix.

Thats great for Boyd. I understand that this league is ranked above the likes of Holland, Belgium and Switzerla. Whilst not FC Porto it nevertheless puts him in the shop window. I am a little surprised that he was offered a 4 year deal straight up but well done on him. So along with the Dutch, French and Swiss league, I now have another one to keep an eye on. Great stuff

Well, if you want a team packed full of coal face Kiwis, you shouldn't be watching the A-League.

Firstly, well done Mr Boyd and agent for the move.  Secondly, always thought Boyd looked like he hadn't been coached well as a teenager.  I know people bagged his finishing, but for me his option taking and awareness were major weakness.   I remember Ernie had difficulty getting Boyd to do what he asked of him. That's why he be gone.

It's a very good thing. While I'd love to see these kids stay, it's better for the whole of football in NZ that they push on for another kid to take their place. 

Could well sit on the bench there too.

Better quality bench ..

I'm sure he will miss the Bunnings chairs.

and the training facilities. 

They have a proper reserve team which plays in the Portugese Second Division.

is the title of this thread the right team? There are two Vitorias in the top league. The thread title and another one. The stuff article mentioned the other one I believe. Is that why piney removed his post?

Congrats Tyler Boyd. Maybe they think they signed Burnsy. Burns/Boyd, Boyd,Burns :)

I think it's more likely that stuff made a mistake, rather than Piney. 

Good luck to Tyler. I was wishing he'd  really establish himself this season. Still life goes on and I wish him all the very best of luck over there.

great news! feel like he deserved a bit more playing time this year however, but this is cool.

Sad to see the kid go, but at the same time I'm happy for him to be moving in to a very, very good European league. Here's hoping he kicks on and can make a name for himself over there, especially against the top clubs of Porto, Sporting CP and Benfica.

This is great news for NZF too, as traditionally we'd have young players, who, like Boyd would sign for clubs in lower leagues of the UK or go through the US college system. Whereas now we're getting a good proliferation of players into top leagues and footballing countries throughout Europe and further afield. The Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and now Portugal - Just another league to now keep a watchful eye on.

Sell a 20 years old young prospect and bring a 35 years old aussie... i smell genious!

Not much you can do if he wants to go.

Absolutely agree. I hope Tyler makes a go of it and has a good career in Portugal. Good luck lad!

Portugal is currently 5th in the UEFA rankings...behind Spain, England, Germany and Italy. The top 3 or 4 clubs are, on their day, as good as anything you would get in Europe...especially playing at home. I reckon the style of football will suit Boyds game. Fast and skilfull with lots of passing and ball movement. Its probably also not as physical as the A-League.

He will be in for a huge culture shock. The language will be a barrier....both on and off the field. I remember passing through that region of Northern Portugal a few years ago....apart from some people serving in restaurants not much English was spoken.....it was also fiercely hot(+40 in August)  However if he works hard and develops then he could go well. The Vitoria S.C reserves play in the Portuguese Div 2(currently in 3rd) so even if Boyd does not crack the first team straight away he will get a good level of football. As a 20 yo he needs lots of game time to develop.

Amazing how many young kiwis are playing football in Europe now.....great for the AW"s. The lower level UK scene has been a bit of a graveyard for young kiwis.

Good on Tyler for securing what looks like a decent move, 4 years does give some security and shows some level of faith in him from the club.

I do understand people being unhappy how things unfolded, it is always nice to see local (ish) players in the team doing well and HAL level NZers should give us a competitive advantage over other HAL teams.

Great for NZF, not quite how it's supposed to work for the Phoenix - no return on investment. We might be eligible for some training reimbursement as part of future transfers.

Are you saying Boo, or Boo-urns?

I think this is one area where the club wont care so much about any kind of financial gain. They've always said, along with most other A-League clubs, that they will never stand in the way of a young footballer's chance at bigger things overseas

The club has talked about developing and selling talent as revenue generator.

Rather a bold move for a 20 year old.  Good luck to him---hope he does well.  Any rumours regarding the extension of Merricks contract?

I'm not so sure about that... 

Some pretty decent (and big) defensive midfielders seem to come out of that league. Matic, Fernando, W.Carvahlo etc

'cause he wanted to leave?

Read that Tylers club was in a bit of financial strife and had cut their wage bill by selling off some top players. Makes sense to scout around the globe and pick up some players with potential. Portuguese clubs have a reputation for smart recruiting....they do a lot of scouting in South America. Buy cheap and then flog them off for a good profit. If Boyd makes the grade and they can on sell him I guess the Nix will get a % as development money.

As for Portugal being a physical league ....they do produce some excellent defenders and some of them are real nutters but from the games I have seen the referees blow very quickly when there is a contact....a bit like Spain. Don't think there is the persistent hacking like we see in the A-league week in week out.

Very very good ball players IMO. Some of the best players I've ever seen have been Portuguese....from Figo to Ronaldho they seem to churn out great players. If Boyd can adapt I have a sneaky feeling he could do well there.

So have we worked out which club it is yet? Different media sources have given a different club.