Washington, D.C. (Sports Network) - D.C. United signed forward Hamdi Salihi as
a Designated Player on Thursday.
Salihi, a 28-year-old Albanian international, has 163 goals in 289 matches in
all competitions in his career. He last played for Rapid Vienna in Austria and
scored 53 goals in 90 matches for the club.
"We are thrilled to have completed a deal to bring Hamdi to MLS and D.C.
United," said United general manager Dave Kasper. "He has one of the most
impressive strike rates you'll find and has shown he's capable of scoring
goals at every level in which he's played.
"We believe strongly he will become another important piece for our team and
we look forward to seeing him on the field in March."
Salihi played with current D.C. midfielder Branko Boskovic at Rapid Vienna and
has also played for clubs in Albania and Greece during his club career. On the
international level, he has played 37 times for Albania and scored nine goals.
Per club and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Salihi will
be added to the squad after receipt of his International Transfer Certificate,
P-1 Visa, and medical clearance.
D.C. United opens the 2012 MLS season March 10 at RFK Stadium against Sporting
Kansas City.
The Sports Network