VILLYAN BIJEV LIVERPOOL FC ACADEMY PLAYER

Villyan Bijev (born 3 January 1993) is an American-Bulgarian footballer who plays as a forward for German side Fortuna Dusseldorf, on loan from the Liverpool Academy and reserves.

In July 2011, Liverpool invited Bijev for a trial with the under-18s. The young forward left a great impression, netting five goals in two pre-season friendly games, earning himself a permanent switch to the Merseyside outfit in the process on a reported three-year deal with an additional two-year option. Liverpool officially announced the signing from US outfit California Odyssey on 31 August 2011. However, due to work permit issues, he was immediately loaned out to German second tier side Fortuna Dusseldorf for the season. He has been described as a "very gifted player... He has a deft touch, nose for the goal, and is deceivingly elusive for a player of his stature."