Matthew Hoppe joins Hibernian: His fourth country in two years
- by Mike Woitalla @MikeWoitalla, Jan 31, 2023
The 21-year-old forward Matthew Hoppe, who earned his eighth U.S. cap in last weekend's scoreless tie with Colombia, started his pro career in Germany with Schalke 04, before moving to Spain (Mallorca), England (Middlesbrough) and now Scotland.
Second-tier Middlesbrough, for whom Hoppe played 63 minutes over six games, completed the loan of Hoppe shortly ahead of the transfer deadline to Hibernian, which is in fifth place of the 12-team Scottish Premiership.
The Southern California, who played youth ball with the LA Galaxy, Irvine Strikers and Arizona's Barcelona Academy, moved to Schalke 04 in 2019. He made headlines when he scored a hat trick at age 19 in Schalke 04's 4-0 win over Hoffenheim in his fifth Bundesliga appearance.
His feat earned Schalke its first win after starting the 2020-21 season with a 12-game winless streak. Hoppe scored once in each of the next two games and finished the season with six goals, but Schalke was relegated to the second division.
He joined Mallorca for the 2021-22 season and went scoreless in five LaLiga appearances while getting 128 minutes of action.
Hoppe, whose lone goal for the USA came in a 1-0 win over Jamaica in the 2021 Gold Cup quarterfinals, last scored in first-team club competition in his penultimate game of the 2020-21 Bundesliga season.
"Matthew will add quality in the final third," said Hibernian manager Lee Johnson. "He's a talented player that can play in all three positions across our front-line and someone that joins with good experience being a full U.S. international and that has played regularly in the Bundesliga."
Young man. Plenty of runway to grow. Do like Man. U. legend Brian Robson - get to practice early - leave late - work at your game - every day - beyond what is asked - what is needed. This is the way. Make it happen son!
And Try to "Play Nice" with the other Kids in the Sand Box.!!!
I thought the Netherlands would be a better environment than Scotland for player development. Who is giving this kid advice?