YA: U-20 star Zizzo to Hannover

Yanks Abroad is reporting that USA U-20 star Salvatore "Sal" Zizzo has signed a three-year deal with Bundesliga club Hannover 96.

According to YA, fellow American Steve Cherundolo, also with Hannover, helped persuade the youngster to join him overseas, calling up Zizzo's parents in San Diego.

Zizzo turned down an offer to enter the 2007 MLS Superdraft and returned to UCLA for his sophomore season, scoring seven goals and adding 9 assists in 23 appearances. But it was his performance in this summer's U-20 World Cup that convinced Hannover to sign the California native.

But is Germany the right place for young American players to develop their skills?

Zizzo becomes the fourth American player signed by Hannover, and with the exception of Cherundolo, the other two players, Clint Mathis and Conor Casey, struggled to develop, returning to MLS after a few miserable seasons. Zizzo's signing continues the UCLA-to-Germany pipeline that delivered former Bruins Benny Feilhaber and Kamani Hill overseas. In addition, according to YA, there are also 10 Americans playing in 2.Bundesliga or lower divisions in Germany.