USL Transfer Record Shattered as Stade de Reims Swoop in for Orange County Sc’s Kobi Henry

June 14, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release

Defending USL Championship title holders Orange County Soccer Club announce the transfer of American teenage sensation Kobi Henry to French first division side Stade de Reims, the largest transfer deal in the history of the United Soccer League (USL).

Henry, 18, the first active USL player to be called up to the US National Team Senior squad, is the latest player to move to Europe through Orange County’s unique Pathway to Professional model, which has seen OCSC players transfer to first division sides in Germany, France, Scotland and Sweden.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for me and my family, a dream come true,” Kobi Henry said. “When I came across the country to play for OCSC, I knew that if I put in the work and followed the plan the coaches laid out for me, I would have the opportunity to play in Europe. I can’t thank OCSC, the staff, my teammates and the fans enough for believing in me. Playing abroad at the highest level is a great achievement in my journey as a professional soccer player and I look forward to what the future brings.”

Stade de Reims, a talented Ligue 1 club, are one of the youngest sides in Europe and have tracked Henry over the past year as a key prospect. The club sees Henry, who is a regular at center back for the US U19 and U20 sides, as a player with an opportunity to earn significant minutes for the first team in the upcoming season.

“Kobi’s signature is a big step forward for our project,” Stade de Reims Sporting Director Pol-Edouard Caillot said. “Reims has become one of the most attractive clubs for young players – we are the team where young players get the most playing time in Europe. Kobi will continue to grow and develop his skills in a good environment .”

A native of Lakewood, FL, Henry made 30 appearances for Orange County SC, having joined the side from Inter Miami’s Academy with the aim of moving into top-class European soccer via the club’s innovative Player Development Pathway.

“Kobi came to Orange County because he and his family strongly believed that we had the model professional pathway and environment for him to accomplish his goal of transferring to Europe. Kobi is a special young man and player who excelled in his two years with us, and his desire to improve all parts of his game is simply unmatched.” OCSC President of Soccer Operations Oliver Wyss said. “This record club transfer sets a new standard for the USL…