D.C. United: Erik Sorga one for the future

This week, D.C. United have been linked with a move for Estonian striker Erik Sorga. Could the young center-forward be a diamond in the rough?

The Major League Soccer offseason always brings a few intriguing transfers that were not necessarily expected.

But for D.C. United, the possibility of bringing in a striker was always likely. Ola Kamara remains the only listed forward on the roster, and after the exits of Wayne Rooney, Luciano Acosta and Lucas Rodriguez, an offensive makeover was required.

However, one possible source for D.C. United to dip into and add to their striker lineup to join Kamara is seldom used by MLS teams in past seasons: Estonia.

Erik Sorga of FC Flora has been linked with a move to D.C. United. He would become the only Estonian player currently playing in MLS.

At just 20, Sorga has already represented his nation at the international level and has put together an important goal-scoring record domestically. During the 2019 season, he scored a staggering 31 goals in 34 appearances in the Premium Liiga, the top division in Estonia.

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The 2019 season marked a turning point in Sorga’s career as he scored nine goals in 27 appearances during the 2018 season. His numbers show he made a significant increase in his production over the past year, though the natural ability and potential has always been present.

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Estonia’s National Team certainly took notice. He made five appearances in the Euro Cup qualifying campaign and scored one goal against Belarus. By almost averaging one goal a match during his 2019 season, it’s clear he is ready for a new challenge, and D.C. United appear to be the avenue for a new chapter in his career.

It’s unsure if Sorga will immediately be a factor in D.C. United’s lineup. The Eastern Conference club does have a USL affiliate in London United who serves as the reserve club for DC. He could be placed here to help ease into playing in new leagues.

Nevertheless, it is clear Sorga has a talent for goal-scoring and being a young player will allow him to fully develop at the club. He is entering the prime of his career shortly which could make this a signing more geared towards future development into a starting striker.

D.C. United might have found a diamond in the rough type of player and this would be a signing worth pursuing if the reports lead to the signing of the Estonian.