Embed from Getty Images
The wait is over, as English star Wayne Rooney agreed to a 2.5-year deal worth $13 million with D.C. United, according to the Washington Post.
D.C. United is expected to confirm the deal on Thursday. The MLS club also negotiated an undisclosed transfer fee with Everton to secure Rooney’s rights from the Premier League club.
Rooney won’t be eligible to play with D.C. United until the MLS transfer period opens on July 10, however Rooney has already secured a visa and work permit and could begin practicing with his new club by the end of the week, according Sky Sports.
Newest DC athlete Wayne Rooney has more twitter followers than every other DC athlete and team
(Combined)https://t.co/xhi4jYujfv
— Dan Steinberg (@dcsportsbog) June 28, 2018
Rooney’s first game with D.C. United is expected to be July 14 when the team opens its new soccer-only stadium, Audi Field, against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
ATTENTION: Hearing Wayne Rooney will be announced tomorrow AM – and that his flight will arrive at Dulles at 2PM. Who's coming with me? #DCU
— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) June 27, 2018
Anticipation started a month ago about the possibly of Rooney coming over to MLS. He gives D.C. United a star power draw as Audi Field is set to open. No English player has more goals. Rooney also has the second-most goals in the Premier League with 208.
Sky Sports also reports that once Rooney is finished with his MLS stint, he will rejoin Everton as a coach.
