Clark did receive an offer to play for Juvenil A, Barca's under-19 team which headlines the organization's La Masia youth structure. However, Clark and his family didn't feel the opportunity was "best suited for the future" and instead he opted to join the Red Bulls.
Although the chance to play with Barcelona may be on the hold for now, Clark says that he did meet several club legends during his travel abroad including former defender Eric Abidal. He also relished the opportunity to play with star winger Ansu Fati, who has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in Europe.
For Clark, there’s no question that the opportunities abroad may be nearing after his fast success in MLS and the bar that’s been set by so many recent Americans in the top five leagues across Europe.
The teenager has been strongly linked with a move to parent club RB Leipzig in Germany’s Bundesliga, where former Red Bull Adams currently resides.
Reports suggest Clark could complete a move with the Bundesliga outfit that would send him to Germany as soon as next season, although Clark remains mum on the situation and recognizes the magnitude of being linked with such moves abroad.
"I know that for me to get over there I need to have an amazing season here with the Red Bulls,” Clark said. “It starts very soon, and if I can do that then it opens up those chances. Having team success creates individual success for me to make that transition, whenever that may be.”
Clark’s ambitions extend beyond playing a part in one of the top leagues in the world though. At 17, Clark will likely figure into the USMNT picture very soon, and nearly received a call up to the under-23 team that recently went through Olympic qualifying in Mexico.
"Being involved in the national team is something that I expect from myself," Clark said. "Club wise in five years I'll be 22, 23, which is crazy to think about, but it's everyone's dream to play in the best competition in the world; Champions League.”
It’s safe to say Clark knows what he wants, and he’s very much on pace to making his ambitions a reality as he and the Red Bulls prepare for another season.