We Lost Zlatan. Are We About to Lose Adin Fikić to the USA?

Twenty years ago, a tall kid in Sweden named Zlatan waited for a call from Sarajevo. The call was late. The call was arrogant. So he put on a yellow jersey and became a legend for someone else.

Today, it is happening again. This time, the kid is in Seattle. His name is Adin Fikić.

The Zenica Report

Last week, the 16-year-old Sounders Academy prospect (born 2010) arrived at the NFSBiH Training Center in Zenica. He came directly from the US Soccer Education camp in Las Vegas.

He didn't just participate. He dominated. According to reports from the ground, scouts and coaches were stunned. He showed the kind of technical class that you can't teach in an American gym. Big European clubs who were present immediately took notes.

Everyone agreed: "This kid is ours."

The Phone Call on the Plane

But while our Federation was patting themselves on the back, the Americans made their move.