Fulham’s American midfielder Luca de la Torre has joined Heracles Almelo on a free transfer.

The 22 year-old has left Craven Cottage after four years in west London, having failed to establish himself in the first-team squad despite displaying promising potential. The California-born youngster made his senior debut for the Whites in the League Cup at Leyton Orient in 2016, but found further opportunities tough to come by. He scored his only first-team goal in an eye-catching performance at Millwall in the League Cup in 2018, but made just four appearances under Scott Parker last season.

De la Torre, who won the Under 20 CONCACAF Cup in 2017 and has been capped at senior level by his country, is excited by the prospect of a new challenge. He told Heracles’ website:

“Heracles likes to play attractive football. I think that fits in well with my way of playing. I also had good discussions about this with coach Frank Wormuth, among others. That gave me confidence. I can’t wait to show what I can do.”

Heracles finished eighth in the Eredivisie last season and have made six signings already in preparation for the new campaign.