Liverpool Transfer News: Henry's Reign Will Help Tap Burgeoning American Market

If you want a leg up on the competition, you have to be willing to explore markets other clubs would normally neglect.

The American owner has been aggressive in his first offseason with the Reds, and has brought a lot of top talent to Anfield. Henry has continued his spending by grabbing a young starlet out of a location few top clubs explore ? the United States.

Liverpool inked teenage Villyan Bijev to deal that will allow him to develop in the club's farm system.

Per Goal.com:

The 18-year-old has been a prolific scorer with his club, Cal Odyssey, in the Development Academy for the past three seasons. Last year, he notched over 20 goals while leading his team to a runner-up finish in the U-16 age bracket. This year, he averaged a goal a game and was voted into the national starting XI at the U-18 level. 

The Fresno native has previously played with the U.S. U-18 national team with his last appearance coming in May at the Lisbon International tournament. Bijev told Goal.com in June that U.S. Soccer was the only federation to get in contact with him, and he was committed to the program. 

The youngster impressed the folks at Anfield while on trial over the last week with five goals and two assists in two games playing for the Liverpool U-18 academy team. 

America may not be a soccer hotbed, but the reality is that the country has come a long way in terms of developing top talent. Few owners will be able to tap into the market quite like Henry, giving the Reds a leg up on the competition. 

If Henry can get players that the rest of England's top sides overlook, then it is going to help make Liverpool a dangerous team on the world stage. The owner has made it his mission to turn the Reds into one of the top sides in the Europe, and scooping up gems like Bijev is the way to do it.

The Bulgarian national was waiting to be scooped up, and his link to Liverpool made a move that much easier for the English giants.

In his first offseason, Henry has made it blatantly obvious that he is going to do whatever it takes to get Liverpool back to it's perch atop the world stage. The Bijev signing may not turn heads around the world, but it's something that will pay major dividends in the long run.

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