By DAN KARELL
The recent wave of U.S. Men’s National Team players returning to American shores is showing no signs of slowing down.
Just days after Michael Bradley and Michael Parkhurst re-joined Major League Soccer on permanent deals, Stoke City midfielder Maurice Edu is reportedly nearing a deal that would send him to the Philadelphia Union. The Union earlier on Tuesday moved up in the MLS allocation order via a trade with D.C. United, allowing the Union a first crack at Edu if he signs with MLS.
Neither the Union or MLS have officially commented on Edu signing with the league.
The report in Goal.com states that the Union “are putting the finishing touches” on Edu’s contract. According to multiple reports, Edu will have to go through the allocation process even as a potential Designated Player signing because MLS wasn’t involved in paying a transfer fee.
Edu, 27, has only played once for Stoke City since moving from demoted Glasgow Rangers in 2012. Edu did make 13 appearances last spring on loan at Turkish club Bursaspor. Edu’s last appearance with the USMNT came in the USA’s scoreless draw in Estadio Azteca.
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What do you think of this news? Surprised to see Edu return to MLS? Do you think he can still make the World Cup squad? How much of an improvement is this to the Union’s midfield?
Share your thoughts below.