DC United are saying goodbye to one of their most talented young players. The team confirmed on Friday that they have loaned USMNT U-20 defensive midfielder Chris Durkin to Belgian side Sint-Truidense V.V. until the summer of 2020.
According to The Athletic’s Pablo Maurer, Sint-Truidense will pay $250,000 to United as part of the deal. The club from Belgium will also have the option to make Durkin move permanent for a transfer fee of $2.25 million.
“Over the past two seasons with D.C. United, Chris has managed to gain valuable first-team minutes,” – said DC United’s general manager Dave Kasper. “We feel he is now ready to test himself in Europe in a very competitive league. We are confident Chris will adapt quickly and show his quality and we will be monitoring his progress closely.”
Chris Durkin made his debut with DC United in 2016 but didn’t receive much playing time until last season. In 2018, Durkin managed to make 23 appearances in MLS and establish himself as a vital part of the team’s midfield. This season he already played 11 games, while contributing with one goal.
Durkin also represented USMNT U-20 in the past two years, making seven appearances and helping his national team to quarter-finals of 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
