Philadelphia Union linked with 2. Bundesliga striker Fafà Picault

German outlet Bild.de is reporting that former St. Pauli striker Fafà Picault is interested in a move to the Philadelphia Union. The outlet quotes agent Alessio Secco as saying that while several MLS clubs are interested in the 25 year old center forward, “Philadelphia is the biggest” in terms of interest. The report also says that Picault is also on trial this week with the Union.

Picault would be an interesting addition to the Union, who have already brought in Jay Simpson from Leyton Orient to compete with CJ Sapong for the center forward role. Unlike Simpson however, Picault won’t count as an international player. Born in New York City he holds dual American and Haitian citizenship, and has stated his desire to feature for the United States National Team again. His lone cap with the USMNT came back in May 2016 against Puerto Rico.

Picault has spent the past year and a half with St. Pauli in the 2. Bundesliga, however has only featured six times and scored one goal. According to another report from Bild.de, St. Pauli Sports Director Andreas Rettig said that St. Pauli needed “a socially compatible player,” which raises character issues around Picault. Earnie Stewart often talks about the character of players being a factor in the Union’s interest, so it remains to be seen if the trial will be as much about Picault’s fit as well as his fitness.

Prior to joining St. Pauli, Picault got his professional start in the North American Soccer League with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, where he played during the 2012 season. He resurfaced in 2014 with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, playing well enough to make the NASL Best XI along with notables such as Minnesota United FC players Miguel Ibarra, Justin Davis and Christian Ramirez, as well as ex-Union player Walter Restrepo.