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Report: D.C. United expect to sign Harkes to Homegrown deal

Photo by Andy Mead
Photo by Andy Mead

One of college soccer’s most talented players wasn’t selected in Friday’s MLS Draft as his signing with the league remained uncertain. However, it now appears that D.C. United is set to snap up one of the top rookies available ahead of the 2017 season.

The Washington Post is reporting that D.C. United is expected to sign Wake Forest midfielder Ian Harkes, son of former U.S. Men’s National Team great John Harkes, to a multi-year Homegrown contract this week. The news comes in the aftermath of Harkes’ decision to explore European options, which reportedly included clubs in the English Championship. A move abroad would have been simmlified due to Harkes’ possession of an English passport, as he was born abroad during his father’s time in the country. Harkes previously told SBI that he would be open to European options if the right offer did nto come from MLS.

A former member of D.C. United’s academy, Harkes was exempt from Friday’s draft, where he would have been selected as one of the opening picks. He is now set to become the ninth Homegrown signing in club history.

Harkes started 82 matches during his stay at Wake, earning honors as MAC Hermann Trophy winner while leading the Demon Deacons to the College Cup final this past season.

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