MLS DC United signed Belgian and English Premier League striker Christian Benteke from Crystal Palace. Benteke has played for the Belgium national team since 2010 and in the Premier League since 2012.
Benteke played for Crystal Palace more than any other club in his career with 162 appearances and 35 goals since 2016. However, he had his most productive years earlier in his career with Aston Villa from 2012 to 2015, scoring 42 goals in 89 appearances. He also has 18 international goals in 45 appearances for Belgium. With 14 goals and two assists in the last two seasons, Benteke still has gas left in the tank.
DC United needs the help as they are currently in the bottom six in scoring in the MLS and sit in last place of the Eastern Conference. Benteke will join DC United on a two-and-a-half-year deal with a club option in 2025.
With six other transfers acquired this transfer window, DC United is hoping that Benteke can be a key piece in revitalizing the club’s season and building toward a winning future under new manager Wayne Rooney.
Benteke joins Welsh legend Gareth Bale, formerly of Real Madrid and Tottenham, as European football stars making the jump to the MLS this summer. Bale signed with LAFC after his contract expired at the end of June.
DC United will face the New York Red Bulls on Saturday Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. EST.
