D.C. United have a brand new Designated Participant.
The crew signed Belgian worldwide striker Christian Benteke from Premier League facet Crystal Palace within the remaining hours of the MLS Secondary Switch Window. He arrives on a DP contract via the 2024 Main league Soccer season, with a membership possibility for 2025.
“Christian is a prime participant who has performed on the highest stage for a very long time,” Head coach Wayne Rooney mentioned in a launch. “His expertise and talent to attain objectives and assist the crew will probably be invaluable. It’s thrilling for the crew and myself to get him in and enjoying. He’ll make an enormous distinction.”
Benteke now stands because the crew’s third and remaining Designated participant, becoming a member of Greek worldwide ahead Taxi Fountas and Icelandic worldwide midfielder Victor Palsson.
Benteke is arriving stateside after 86 objectives and 23 assists in 280 Premier League appearances, that includes for Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Aston Villa. He additionally noticed stints at Genk and Customary Liege. Internationally, Benteke has recorded 18 objectives in 45 appearances for Belgium. He’s presently combating for a spot within the 26-player roster beneath head coach Roberto Martinez.
“We’re getting an elite striker in Christian and finishing this signing on switch deadline day is a big accomplishment for the membership,” basic supervisor Lucy Rushton mentioned in a launch.
“Christian is a dynamic ahead who has scored objectives on the highest ranges. His energy and energy will make him a focus of our crew and his skill to link-up play will probably be a precious asset to us. We’re excited to get Christian built-in with the crew so he could make a right away influence on the sector within the remaining stretch of the season.”
Benteke’s arrival comes at a vital level within the season for D.C. United, as they wrestle to climb the Jap Convention desk. Rooney’s facet presently sits in final place, with a disappointing 21 factors in 22 video games and a file of 6W-13L-3D.
With 12 video games left to be performed, Rooney is hoping to show issues round with a revamped squad that features Michael Estrada, Miguel Berry, Fountas and now Benteke.
