Bermuda Hogges have pulled off a major transfer coup with long-term target John Barry Nusum signing on loan from MISL team Philadelphia Kixx.

Kixx have agreed to give Nusum "temporary relief" from his three-year contract and the burly marksman should have clearance to play for the Hogges by May.

The exciting swoop is a clear signal of the ambitious franchises' intent this season with new recruits Keishen Bean and Aljame Zuill already onboard to bolster Hogges' firepower.

Nusum, the nephew of ex-Bermuda goalkeeper and US Cosmos player Sam Nusum, took a sabbatical from summer football last season after USL-D1 outfit Virginia Beach Mariners folded due to lack of funding.

Dropping down a tier to the USL-D2 threatened to be a potential stumbling block, but the chance of playing for Bermuda's first football franchise and linking up with his national team colleagues appears to have swayed his decision.

David Deal, vice-president of internal operations at Philadelphia Kixx, said Nusum had expressed his desire to join the Hogges this coming campaign after holding lengthy talks with their co-owner Paul Scope.

"John has been in talks with Hogges' co-owner Paul Scope for a long time about a potential move," said Deal. "John came back to us and said he wanted to play for the Hogges and we were happy to give him temporary relief from his contract, which has two years remaining.

"He will be on loan at the Hogges for this season and then return to us for our next campaign. John's passionate about his football and this agreement will also help him stay in shape."

It is understood that Nusum has signed all the relevant papers to complete the deal and is now waiting for the go-ahead from the United Soccer Leagues (USL).

Scope was unable to confirm the deal but said he believed Nusum's signature would represent a massive boost for the Hogges as well as the national team.

"John will be massive coup for us. John joining us will also help Bermuda's World Cup campaign because he will be playing week-in week-out with Hogges national-team players."

The former Wolves striker needs just one goal to tie with Hogges president Shaun Goater as Bermuda's top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying. The Devonshire-born 27-year-old has scored 15 goals in 21 appearances for the Gombey Warriors.

Meanwhile, Lynn University student Tyrell Burgess will further his football education at Reading Rage after signing with the Super Y League team.

The move marks another stage in the meteoric rise of Burgess who has starred for Bermuda during their World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring against Cayman Islands in February's first leg.