A year after such internationals as Joao Plata and John Rooney were part of the MLS SuperDraft, it appears internationals will once again be included in what has traditionally be a draft for college players. Jason Banton, a former Liverpool academy player who spent last season with English Championship side Leicester City, says he has signed with MLS and will be available in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 12. Banton shared the news on Twitter:
2012 MLS SuperDraft: Ex-Liverpool Academy Player Jason Banton Says He’ll Be Eligible
19-year-old Jason Banton has represented England at the youth levels and will now, apparently be part of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.
@JeremiahOshan gonna be in the Combine Super Draft mate
— Jason Banton (@JasonBanton) December 26, 2011
Banton appears to have the kind of talent that would be intriguing to numerous MLS teams. He has played for England at the U-17 level and has spent time with several of the Premiership’s biggest clubs. In addition to playing in Liverpool’s academy ranks, he has also spent time with Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers at the youth level.
When Liverpool signed him last January, academy director Frank McParland had this to say: “He’s a talented winger who we feel can be a very good player for us.”
The 19-year-old striker/midfielder is also a bit of a known commodity in MLS circles. In April, he was apparently close to signing with Chivas USA after spending some time with their reserve squad.
See More:
