USMNT starlet Mathis Albert was nearly a Manchester City player

The USMNT fanbase is just getting to know 17-year-old Mathis Albert. He appeared in all four the the team's friendly matches during the September-October break, scoring his first international goal against Chile. That goal briefly made him the youngest American to score an international goal until Cavan Sullivan broke the record against Mexico.

There's no denying that Albert has quickly become a name to know. We're also learning that Manchester City approached Borussia Dortmund this summer about buying the teenager. Confirmed reports indicate that several clubs inquired about Albert, offering up to $16.8m for him. Among those clubs was Manchester City.

Would Man City have made sense for Mathis Albert?

Any American being linked to a club of City's prestige is a big deal. But would that have been the right move for Albert right now? The club is currently embroiled in a scandal after being found guilty of 114 charges related to financial fairplay and failure to cooperate with an investigation. It's far from certain that the club will remain in the Premier League once a punishment is handed down.

At the same time, the scandal could eventually open up playing time for younger players. Keep in mind that Sullivan is set to join Man City once he turns 18, which is in just under a year. The idea of Sullivan and Albert, two of the most promising American teenagers, playing together at a club like Man City is beyond tantalizing for USMNT fans.

Why did Dortmund say no?

Ultimately, Borussia Dortmund rebuffed Man City and every other club that called asking about Albert over the summer. Even loan offers were rejected, which is surprising because Albert has yet to appear in a Bundesliga game this season. It says a lot that Dortmund didn't want to let go of Albert, even on a loan.

Despite Albert not logging any minutes, Dortmund manager Niko Kovač insists that's going to change soon. He has repeatedly said that Albert is part of his first-team plans for the season. Based on those comments, we should expect to see Albert get some playing time, at least coming off the bench, perhaps sooner rather than later.

Albert's immediate future

Fresh off his strong first impression for Mauricio Pochettino's team, Albert should be in line for more minutes with Dortmund. The German giants have Champions League matches coming up, which should lead to more squad rotation and chances for players like Albert. Based on the way he was able to change multiple games with his speed during the international break, Albert looks ready for Bundesliga action.

That being said, he doesn't have much time until the next international window when the USMNT will play Haiti in the Nations League quarterfinals. If Albert doesn't start seeing more playing time soon, it'll be hard for Pochettino to find a role for him in November. Even after impressing during the recent window, minutes at club level are what Albert needs most right now.

In the long run, a move to a club like Manchester City is possible. If Man City wanted him over the summer, imagine the demand for his services if his star continues to rise. The fact that a club like City was interested in him this past summer is a sign that many view Albert's future as being as bright as USMNT fans hope it will be.

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