18-year-old midfielder acquired on a season-long loan from Major League Soccer club St. Louis City SC
Birmingham, ALA (Jan. 19) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today the addition of midfielder Miguel Perez on a season-long loan from Major League Soccer’s St. Louis City SC, pending league and federation approval.
“We are excited to have Miguel in Birmingham,” said President and GM Jay Heaps. “He is a young midfielder with great upside and talent who already has MLS experience. “
Perez, 18, joins Legion FC in time to make the squad for Saturday’s preseason friendly against Atlanta United.
“I am honored and humbled to be joining Birmingham Legion FC,” said Perez. “I’m ready to grow as a player and person and do whatever is necessary to help this team compete.”
“I’m excited to be a part of this community and can’t wait to meet our fans! Let’s go Legion FC!”
Perez became the second homegrown player in STL City’s history after signing an MLS contract in 2023. Perez made 18 appearances, started in seven, and notched one goal for City. Perez signed his first professional contract on February 21 and four days later Perez played in City SC’s 3-1 win against Austin FC — making him the first-ever academy graduate to play for the club in MLS regular season. Perez had first career MLS start at the Portland Timbers two matches later. Perez recorded CITY SC’s first goal by a Homegrown in an MLS regular-season game on May 28. Perez also scored in CITY SC’s fourth-round Open Cup match against Chicago on May 10.
Perez joined the St. Louis City SC Academy in its inaugural season in 2021. The midfielder scored the first-ever goal for City Academy in a 4-3 win against Chicago Fire U17s at the beginning of the 2021 MLS NEXT season. Perez later earned a spot on St. Louis City SC inaugural MLS Next Pro roster in January 2022. Perez appeared in 16 matches, making two starts for City 2. Perez was invited to join STL City preseason training camp in January 2023.
TRANSACTION: St. Louis CITY SC loaned St. Louis native Miguel Perez to USL-side Birmingham Legion FC on Monday, January 22, 2024.
The first opportunity to see Perez and his new teammates in action is this Saturday! Legion FC kicks off the 2024 preseason season at Protective Stadium on January 27 at 2:00pm!
