DC United announce signing of beloved Leeds United promotion hero as 32-year-old begins new adventure - YEP 12/1/23
Former Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich has been announced as a DC United player ahead of the 2023 MLS season which kicks off in late February
Joe Donnohue
The Polish international has been in the United States since
late last week to complete a deal which sees him become one of the team’s
Designated Player picks pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International
Transfer Certificate (ITC). Listing Klich as such permits DC United to exceed
the MLS’ salary cap (Maximum Salary Budget Charge) for the 32-year-old and up
to two more players for the upcoming 2023 campaign.
Klich has signed a deal until the end of 2024, with an
option to extend until 2025 in the American capital.
Currently managed by former Manchester United and Everton
striker Wayne Rooney, DC United finished bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference
with just seven wins and 21 defeats from 34 matches last season, subsequently
missing out on the end-of-year play-offs.
Klich will be joined at his new club by ex-Liverpool and
Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke as well as journeyman midfielder Ravel
Morrison, who has represented several English clubs throughout the EFL and
Premier League.
The former Leeds man mutually terminated his deal at Elland
Road last week following the team’s 2-2 draw against West Ham United, staying
behind to sign autographs and pose for pictures with supporters late into the
evening. Klich was given a guard of honour by teammates and club staff as he
departed the Elland Road turf for the final time, after five-and-a-half years
tied to the club.
It's going to be a beautiful day in the District 🌅 pic.twitter.com/VqxTEwYWhT
— D.C. United (@dcunited) January 12, 2023
DC United teased Klich’s arrival on their social media
accounts on Thursday, already a poorly-kept secret on both sides of the
Atlantic Ocean, with a post which read: “It’s going to be a beautiful day in
the District”, accompanied by a photograph of the Polish embassy in Washington
DC.
“Mateusz is a first-rate midfielder who will add top-level
experience to our roster,” Rooney said. “I’ve been watching him since he helped
lead Leeds to promotion to the Premier League and his vision, range of passing,
and scoring ability will be a huge asset for us this season.”