Washington, DC (Sports Network) - D.C. United homegrown defender/midfielder
Andy Najar has completed a move to Belgian side R.S.C. Anderlecht, the club
announced on Wednesday.
Najar initially went over to Belgium to train with the club for the month of
December before being loaned for the month of January.
While in Belgium, the 19-year-old played all 90 minutes in a 4-2 victory
against Dutch side SC Heracles Almelo and scored in a reserve match a week
later.
Najar becomes Major League Soccer's first homegrown player to complete a
permanent transfer to a European club.
"It has been very rewarding to watch Andy grow and develop into becoming the
special player that he is," said D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper.
"This transfer is a testament to the hard work of our Academy staff, to
(manager) Ben (Olsen) and his staff for their patience and vision, and to the
MLS Homegrown Player initiative. We wish Andy all of the success in the world
and we look forward to watching his career blossom. Looking ahead, we plan to
focus on utilizing our resources and flexibility to continue to build our
team."
Last season with D.C. United, Najar played in 25 regular-season matches,
including 22 starts, while notching four assists. Over three seasons with
United, Najar has tallied 10 goals and 11 assists in 82 appearances.
Najar has also made three appearances with the senior Honduras National Team.
The Sports Network