DC United has announced the departure of Chris Durkin in a multi-player transaction with St. Louis CITY SC. The move, which brought Jared Stroud, Lucas Bartlett, and $300,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to the capital, marks the beginning of a renewal phase for the team.
Chris Durkin, the 23-year-old defensive midfielder, concludes his second stint with DC United as he takes on the challenge with St. Louis CITY SC. His experience both in the United States and Europe, along with his time with the youth national team, adds a touch of maturity to St. Louis's central midfield.
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Durkin's arrival at St. Louis CITY SC is seen as a strategic addition, especially considering the upcoming participation in the Concacaf Champions League and the recent success in securing the top spot in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, DC United welcomes Jared Stroud, a 27-year-old winger, and Lucas Bartlett, a 26-year-old defender, as part of the deal. Stroud, coming from a productive season in St. Louis, joins DC United at the peak of his professional career, and Bartlett is highlighted as a promising reinforcement for the defense, bringing physicality and athletic ability.
Ally Mackay, recently appointed general manager and director of soccer operations for DC United, expressed excitement about the new acquisitions, viewing Stroud and Bartlett as key pieces to strengthen the roster in the 2024 season. DC United, in search of a new coach after Wayne Rooney's departure, is clearly committed to revitalizing its performance after a challenging year that saw them finish 12th in the Eastern Conference in 2023.
With only 19 players under contract at the end of the year, the team from the American capital is shaping its future, hoping not only to return to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs but also to compete at a higher level. The player changes and Mackay's vision reflect an ambitious strategy, and DC United fans now eagerly await a new era of success.