Emerson Hyndman


Emerson Schellas Hyndman is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer.

Club career

Early career

Born in Dallas, Texas, Hyndman started his career in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy with the Dallas Texans before moving on to joining FC Dallas in 2010. During his time at FC Dallas, Hyndman attracted interest from Newcastle United after the club's director of football Dennis Wise saw him play, but ultimately Wise opted not to pursue him further.

Fulham

Hyndman joined the Fulham youth academy in 2011 aged 15. Hyndman revealed that the then club's head of youth development, Huw Jennings, convinced him to join the club. Hyndman revealed that moving to England was tough initially, but that he soon settled in thanks to the club. In 2012, Hyndman signed his first professional contract with the club.
On August 9, 2014, Hyndman made his professional debut for Fulham in a Championship fixture against Ipswich Town, starting and playing 90 minutes in a 2–1 loss. In his first season at Fulham, Hyndman made nine league appearances, due to playing in the reserves, being on the substitute bench and being sidelined with a broken collarbone.
In the 2015–16 season, it was reported by Goal.com that Hyndman turned down a contract extension twice with the club, leading to attracting interests. By September, Hyndman would stay at the club. Hyndman made his first appearance of 2015–16 season, playing 90 minutes, in a 1–0 loss against Stoke City in the third round of League Cup. After spending months in the reserves, Hyndman's first league appearance came on December 5, 2015, coming on as a substitute, in a 3–0 loss against Nottingham Forest. Following this, Hyndman was given a string of regular first team football, though he was left out of the starting eleven on more than one occasion when Fulham faced relegation. Despite this, Hyndman scored his first professional goal against Cardiff City on his 20th birthday. After the match, in which he scored the winning goal, Hyndman was named Man of the Match for his performance.
At the end of the season, manager Slaviša Jokanović stated Hyndman could leave the club with his blessing On May 15, 2016, ESPN reported that Hyndman would leave Fulham when his contract expires, although it revealed that Fulham would get compensation as a result for Hyndman's departure.

AFC Bournemouth

2016–17: loan to Rangers

On June 17, 2016, Hyndman signed a four-year deal with AFC Bournemouth of the Premier League. He made his first appearance in a League Cup match against Morecambe.
On January 9, 2017, Hyndman signed for Scottish Premiership club Rangers until the end of the 2016–17 season. Hyndman made his Rangers debut in a Scottish Cup win over Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on 21 January 2017, and scored his first goal for the club against the same opponents a week later. He was selected as Rangers Young Player of the Year for 2016–17, despite only joining the club in January.

2017–18

Hyndman returned to Bournemouth after his loan spell with Rangers, but made limited appearances during the 2017–18 season. He appeared in one EFL Cup tie and two FA Cup matches, then made his Premier League debut in May 2018.

2018–19: loan to Hibernian

Hyndman was loaned to Scottish Premiership club Hibernian in August 2018, on a deal due to run until January 2019. He scored his first goal for the club in a 6–0 win against Hamilton Academical on 6 October 2018. Hyndman returned to Bournemouth at the end of his loan with Hibernian.

2019: loan to Atlanta United FC

On July 1, 2019, Hyndman was loaned to Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer, with the club holding an option to purchase him following the 2019 MLS season. Atlanta traded a 2019 and 2020 international roster slot, as well as $200,000 in guaranteed allocation money, to FC Dallas in exchange for his discovery rights.

Atlanta United FC

On December 9, 2019, it was announced that Hyndman's move to Atlanta would become permanent.

International career

Hyndman represented the United States at under-17 level in 2012. He received his first senior call up in August 2014 after making three first team appearances for Fulham. On August 28, 2014, he was selected to the senior national team for their game against the Czech Republic on September 3. He made his senior team debut during the match, being subbed on in the 67th minute.
In May 2015, Hyndman captained the United States side in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. In his first match of the tournament, Hyndman scored the game winner to defeat Myanmar 2–1.

Personal life

Hyndman is the grandson of former FC Dallas manager Schellas Hyndman. He holds Portuguese citizenship through his family history.
While growing up in United States, Hyndman excelled in baseball, basketball and soccer, but preferred soccer, as he stated he loved kicking a ball from a young age.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

Atlanta United FC
USA U20
Individual