The Philadelphia Union will have the first pick in Thursday’s MLS draft. (Getty Images)
The Union might be closing in on signing the second United States central midfielder to leave Europe for MLS in as many weeks with Maurice Edu thought to be on his way to Philadelphia.
Metro has learned that negotiations between Edu and the league continue to move along, despite reports on Tuesday to the contrary.
A league source says that Edu, MLS and the Union continued an advanced dialogue on Tuesday, with the source sounding optimistic that a deal will be made. Union CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz spoke about the status of negotiations and while he wouldn’t sound optimism, did validate that negotiations continue.
“We are working very closely with the league and trying to explore all options to bring Edu to Philly,” Sakiewicz said. “These negotiations are always very fluid and can turn on a dome. So everyone should take a deep break and step back while we work through all options.”
According to the league source, Edu has been offered a contract worth $1.2 million per year, as has been previously reported by other outlets.
It would seem to be a natural fit between player and club. Edu is a United States international who represented his nation in the 2010 World Cup and recently has been on the books of English Premier League club Stoke City. The Union is a young side that could benefit from his calming presence in the midfield and could use someone of his skill set to take the next step.
