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Reports had surfaced earlier this week that Julian Green had been demoted to the Hamburg SV’s U-23 side, although Bayern Munich, who loaned out the 19-year-old at the beginning of the season, hoped he would gain substantial first-team minutes with the Bundesliga side.

Green has made five appearances for Hamburg this year, and has totaled only two shots.

Amidst high hopes for the future of Green when he was made eligible to play for the Stars and Stripes last March, the Tampa-native also made his international debut, coming on the field as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Mexico.

At the 2014 World Cup, Green became the youngest player in U.S. history to score on soccer’s biggest stage.

HSV press officer Lars Wegener revealed to MLSsoccer.com that, in fact, Green was still training with the first-team, but was offered U-23 matches to gather more playing time in matches.

Soccer writer Daniel Busch disclosed that Green has declined to perform for the youth squad, and the German-American may receive a fine if he rejects the opportunity to take the pitch.

Good work ethic and attitude from Julian Green: "Match practice is always important, but the U23 is off the cards for me." — Daniel Busch (@dan_bu) February 13, 2015

Knäbel says he'll talk to Green next week. Green will probably get a significant fine for refusing to play for the U23, according to Bild. — Daniel Busch (@dan_bu) February 13, 2015

What does this mean for the future of Green?

Right now, Green and Hamburg’s intentions are still hazy, as sporting director Peter Knabel noted that discussions about his place on the squad will occur next week.

But regardless, Green needs to regularly feature in the first-team to improve his skills, and if Hamburg is not the club for this end goal, then Bayern must promptly find a spot where he can develop in an engaging gameday environment.