One of our academy players is going where? Josh Doughty, 17, off to Manchester United, reports say

Real Salt Lake academy player Josh Doughty is apparently off on a great English adventure after having passed a medical with Manchester United, according to reports from MLS Soccer, the ever-so-reliable Daily Star, and others.

Doughty, 17, was part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy championship-winning side in 2013. His British-citizen parents make the move possible, MLS Soccer reported.

It's pretty remarkable, and it says something very positive about our academy when one of our players goes off to a considerably larger team. It might sting a little bit, and it probably should — we should feel like our academy's been poached a little. But it's also worth remembering that Doughty hasn't even necessarily been the top-rated talent there now — that should be the most encouraging factor.

At any rate, it's difficult to say where this puts the player long-term, and it doesn't guarantee success at any level. But it's exciting and hugely encouraging for everybody involved, so let's not forget that.